Telefónica and IQM Quantum Computers will install an IQM Spark at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid before the end of 2026. It will be the first quantum computer in the Community of Madrid, the two companies said when they announced the deal on Friday.
Universities, hospitals, research centres and startups in the region will get direct access to it. They can use it to write and test quantum algorithms. The companies did not say what the machine costs. IQM’s chief executive described the deal as the Community of Madrid “investing in its own quantum computer”.
A small machine for teaching and research
The IQM Spark is a 5-qubit system. IQM sells it to universities and research centres for teaching and early-stage work, according to its product page.
The machine will be the third that Telefónica and IQM have placed in Spain. The first two went to CESGA, the Galician Supercomputing Centre in Santiago de Compostela. In December, IQM said CESGA would get a 54-qubit IQM Radiance and a 5-qubit Spark. Delivery was due by June 2026.
“Quantum computing becomes truly valuable when it moves beyond remote laboratory environments and is placed directly in the hands of those working closest to the real-world challenges it can help address,” said Jan Goetz, IQM’s co-founder and chief executive.
For Telefónica, the computer adds to its work on quantum-safe networks. The operator says it is the first in Spain to offer links between data centres that use the new post-quantum cryptography standards.
“This project marks another step forward in Telefónica’s close collaboration with the Community of Madrid in the deployment of quantum technologies,” said Borja Ochoa, non-executive chairman of Telefónica España and chief executive of its B2B business.
IQM was founded in 2018 and is based in Espoo, Finland. In July it became the first European quantum company listed on Nasdaq. It has more than 450 staff. France’s Pasqal followed with its own Nasdaq debut in August.
In September, an EU official called for consolidation among Europe’s quantum startups. Telefónica and IQM say the Madrid machine will help the region build its own quantum ecosystem. They also say it will add to Europe’s technological sovereignty.
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