Europe’s Quantum Leap: IBM and Basque Government Launch First IBM Quantum System Two

Quantum computing just got a European home—and it's turning heads from Madrid to Moscow.

The Quantum Frontier Lands in Basque Country

IBM's Quantum System Two isn't just another research project—it's Europe's first operational quantum computer, strategically planted in Spain's innovation hub. The Basque Government didn't just sign a check; they're betting big on becoming Europe's quantum capital.

Why This Matters Beyond Research Labs

This installation cuts through theoretical promises and delivers tangible infrastructure. While traditional computing hits physical limits, quantum systems bypass conventional barriers entirely—opening pathways for everything from drug discovery to financial modeling that would make Wall Street's supercomputers blush.

The timing couldn't be more provocative. As global tech giants scramble for quantum supremacy, Europe just planted its flag—proving that sometimes the best way to predict the future is to build it yourself. Though let's be honest—if history's any guide, the real money won't be in the breakthroughs, but in whatever consulting firms get hired to explain why the ROI took longer than expected.

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This launch is a major step forward in the BasQ (Basque Quantum) initiative, which is a program that started in 2023 to turn the Basque Country (an autonomous community in northern Spain) into a global leader in quantum technology. At the opening ceremony, Basque President Imanol Pradales explained that the government sees quantum computing as a key to growing the local economy, attracting talent, and connecting with other research hubs around the world.

It’s worth noting that the Basque Government began focusing on quantum computing in 2019 and named it one of four scientific priorities. Since then, it has worked with IBM and the local provinces of Álava, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa to build not just a facility, but a full ecosystem for research, training, and real-world applications. As a result, the IBM-Euskadi center offers powerful computing tools to researchers while also helping train students and professionals in quantum technology.

Is IBM a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on five Buys, six Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $288.45 per share implies that shares are trading NEAR fair value.