IQM and Telefónica to Install Quantum Computer at Madrid's UPM by End of 2026

23 October 2026. Telefónica and IQM Quantum Computers have joined forces to deploy the first quantum computer in the Community of Madrid. The IQM Spark quantum computer will be installed at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) before the end of 2026.

The IQM Spark is described as an all-in-one solution designed for research, education and early-stage development. It will give universities, hospitals, research centers and start-ups direct access to real quantum hardware to develop and test quantum algorithms and build expertise for future use cases. The companies said it will be the first quantum computer of its kind in the Community of Madrid.

The computer will join the other two quantum computers provided by Telefónica and IQM to CESGA (Galician Supercomputing Centre). Once operational, the Community of Madrid is expected to have greater capabilities to develop its own quantum ecosystem, bringing together stakeholders working on real-world use cases for local industry.

Borja Ochoa, non-executive Chairman of Telefónica España and CEO of B2B, said: “This project marks another step forward in Telefónica’s close collaboration with the Community of Madrid in the deployment of quantum technologies, both in networks and in the encryption and protection of critical data in particularly sensitive sectors such as healthcare and security, and now also through the research opportunities offered by quantum computing.”

Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, said: "By investing in its own quantum computer, the Community of Madrid is creating an infrastructure that will enable its researchers, students and industries to grow their capabilities over the long term." IQM said it has full-stack quantum computers deployed across Europe, Asia and North America, including systems supplied to supercomputing centers.

Source: The Quantum Insider