By Quantum computers are predicted to revolutionize human ability. One of the world’s leading quantum computer manufacturers, American IonQ, has now chosen Gothenburg for its European expansion – due to Swedish know-how and great industrial interest, especially from AstraZeneca.
American IonQ is a leader in the exciting and fast-growing quantum computing and quantum networking sectors, with the expressed mission of building the world’s best quantum computers. Since its IPO in New York in 2021, the market value of IonQ has skyrocketed. With 350 employees, the company is currently valued at close to $7 billion (as of Nov 28, 2024). The company collaborates with a wide range of partners to offer quantum applications in the cloud, including Microsoft, Amazon and Google.
Now, IonQ has set up in Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden, primarily through a new development center at AstraZeneca BioVentureHub. Plans include a potential collaboration with AstraZeneca with the aim of exploring interesting quantum applications in chemistry and drug development.
“We are thrilled to welcome IonQ to BioVentureHub. The potential of applying quantum computing in Life Science is immense, for example in chemistry, where this technology could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements. Exploring this area aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable chemistry development”, said Magnus Björsne, Head of AstraZeneca’s BioVenture Innovation Unit and CEO of AstraZeneca BioVentureHub.
Discussions with more industries
IonQ hopes that progress in Gothenburg will make the Swedish activities pioneering the company’s global development in chemical calculations. At the same time, contacts have already been made with a number of other Swedish industrial companies that can benefit from quantum computers in various ways:
- Airlines and ports can optimize cargo loading and reduce fuel and personnel costs
- Automotive companies can analyze battery chemistry, predict maintenance needs, and improve autonomous systems’ ability to read signs and traffic
- Large companies with their own AI development can improve their AI models and make AI calculations faster and more energy-efficient
The American company evaluated several European locations before choosing Gothenburg.
“Sweden has a clear growth strategy in quantum technology. The quality of the expertise, the strength of the universities in Gothenburg as well as the significant R&D footprint of large enterprises in the Gothenburg region, positions Gothenburg as a great location for innovative deep tech companies like IonQ. Here we have also been able to align closely with the national strategy and work with Business Region Göteborg, which has opened up highly interesting collaboration opportunities for us,” said Lorenzo Roversi, of IonQ AB.
“We start recruiting immediately and want to build a small but strong team, primarily for application development in quantum computational chemistry. We are looking for computational chemists at doctoral level, but also entrepreneurs and engineers who are interested in pursuing a career in quantum technology,” he continued.
Extreme expertise strengthens competitiveness
IonQ’s quantum computers are available and are mainly used via the cloud, but Forte Enterprise, IonQ’s most computationally powerful computer, was recently delivered to Basel, Switzerland. The American company, based in Maryland, has established what it states is the world’s first serial production facility for quantum computers in Seattle, Washington.
“The fact that IonQ has established operations and initiated a collaboration with AstraZeneca, is extremely gratifying. This shows the significance of Gothenburg as a deep tech arena. We have cutting-edge expertise, top universities and global companies that invest in emerging technologies. The R&D intensity is twice as high here as in the rest of Sweden. Gothenburg’s pivotal role as Sweden’s innovation powerhouse will be further strengthened,” said Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Göteborg.
Business Sweden has also facilitated IonQ’s entry to Sweden:
“IonQ’s decision to establish operations in Sweden marks a significant milestone for quantum tech in Sweden, reinforcing Sweden’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. We at Business Sweden are thrilled to welcome IonQ to Sweden, as their investment not only strengthens our quantum computing ecosystem but also accelerates Sweden’s journey towards sustainable, tech-driven solutions across several industries”, said Jaani Heinonen, Head of Invest Promotion at Business Sweden.
