Welcome to another biweekly update on all things quantum computing. This edition covers Microsoft’s growing footprint in Europe, IBM’s new hardware progress, IQM’s next research system, IonQ’s move into space networks, and Japan’s latest step toward hybrid supercomputing. Let’s go.
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Microsoft Expands Quantum Lab in Denmark
Microsoft (MSFT) has expanded its quantum computing lab in Lyngby, Denmark, making it the company’s largest quantum site in the world. The project brings Microsoft’s total investment in Denmark to more than $140 million.
The new facility will focus on building topological qubits, a type of quantum bit designed to reduce errors. The Lyngby lab will now fabricate the company’s “Majorana 1” chip, which aims to hold millions of qubits on a single processor.
According to Microsoft, the site will also serve as one of the world’s first AI-enabled hardware labs. It will host scientists and engineers from more than 20 nationalities, all working to turn experimental physics into manufacturable hardware. The company states that this move strengthens Denmark’s role in Europe’s broader plan to become a global leader in quantum by 2030.
IBM Pushes Toward Quantum Advantage
International Business Machines (IBM) has revealed a new 120-qubit processor called Nighthawk. The chip has 30% more circuit complexity than IBM’s previous generation and is designed to reach what the company calls “quantum advantage” by 2026.
IBM also introduced a new experimental chip called Loon, which includes features for faster error correction and longer-range qubit connections. The company says it now has all key parts in place for fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.
To speed up development, IBM has moved quantum chip fabrication to a 300 mm facility in New York. This setup will allow faster production and testing, cutting research time in half. IBM is also expanding its Qiskit software tools to link quantum systems with traditional high-performance computers.
IQM and IonQ Expand Global Reach
Finland-based IQM Quantum Computers has launched a new system called Halocene. It will start as a 150-qubit machine built for error correction research, with a plan to scale past 1,000 qubits by 2030. The design includes a modular layout, open software access, and a goal of reaching 99.7% two-qubit gate fidelity. The first units are expected by the end of 2026.
IonQ Buys Skyloom Global
In the U.S., IonQ (IONQ) announced plans to buy Skyloom Global, a company that builds optical links for satellites. The deal is part of IonQ’s plan to create a global quantum network for secure communication and data transfer. The company has been expanding quickly, with several recent acquisitions and about $3.5 billion in new funding this year. IonQ reported $110 million in revenue guidance for 2025, keeping its growth streak since going public in 2021.
Japan Links Quantum and Supercomputing
Q-CTRL, a quantum software company, has partnered with Japan’s RIKEN research center to combine quantum systems with one of the world’s top supercomputers, Fugaku. The setup uses Q-CTRL’s Fire Opal software to boost accuracy and performance by more than 1,000 times.
The system lets research teams run more reliable quantum programs for chemistry, physics, and machine learning without changing their existing workflows. It marks Japan’s latest step toward building hybrid platforms that integrate quantum and classical computing in a single environment.
The Bottom Line
Quantum computing is moving from lab research to real production. Microsoft is scaling hardware in Europe, IBM is optimizing chips and software, IQM is giving labs new tools, IonQ is building space-based networks, and Japan is connecting quantum to supercomputers. Together, these efforts point to a more global and practical phase of quantum development, one where performance, scale, and access matter most.
We used TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to line up all the tickers mentioned in the piece alongside notable quantum stocks. It’s a quick way to see how they stack up and where the field could be heading.
