June 2025, Kobe, Japan: IBM and RIKEN deployed the IBM Quantum System Two at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science.
This system is integrated with the supercomputer Fugaku, creating a hybrid quantum-classical computing platform. The project is supported by Japan's NEDO.
The system uses the 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor. It has a two-qubit error rate of 3×10⁻⁴ and a CLOPS metric of 250,000. This represents a tenfold improvement over the previous generation.
This platform aims to advance quantum-centric supercomputing. It will enable collaboration between quantum and classical systems. Researchers expect it to accelerate algorithm development in chemistry and materials science.
The official launch event occurred on June 24, 2025, featuring remarks from RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami and IBM Fellow Jay Gambetta. This collaboration is part of the "Development of Integrated Utilization Technology for Quantum and Supercomputers" initiative.