University of Innsbruck launched a hybrid quantum-classical supercomputer

Leopold-Franz University Innsbruck (UIBK) in Austria announced that its LEO5 HPC complex has been integrated with AQT’s IBEX Q1 quantum system. Thus, a hybrid quantum-classical supercomputer has been formed, which is said to open up completely new opportunities for solving complex scientific and industrial problems and creating next-generation computing platforms.

The LEO5 machine, launched in 2023, integrates 63 nodes, each containing two Intel Xeon 8358 processors (Ice Lake-SP) with 32 cores. Infiniband HDR100 interconnect is used. The 36 nodes include NVIDIA accelerators – A30, A40 or A100. Performance reaches 300 teraflops on FP64 operations and 740 teraflops on FP32 operations.

Image source: UIBK

In turn, the IBEX Q1 laser quantum system, developed by AQT specialists (a subsidiary of UIBK), does not require extreme cooling for operation. It claims to be able to operate at room temperature and consumes less than 2 kW of power. Quantum equipment is housed in two custom racks.

The project to create a hybrid supercomputer was implemented within the framework of the HPQC (High-Performance integrated Quantum Computing) initiative, funded by the Austrian Agency for the Promotion and Stimulation of Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (FFG). The new platform, as noted, creates the basis for future heterogeneous infrastructures aimed at solving complex problems.

«The successful integration of a quantum computer into a high-performance computing environment marks an important milestone for Austrian and European research and technology development in general,” says Henrietta Egerth, Managing Director of FFG.