An enterprise-grade, on-premise superconducting quantum computer designed for seamless integration with high-performance computing environments, offering scalable qubit counts and high-fidelity operations.
The IQM Radiance system represents a significant offering in the quantum computing landscape, specifically tailored for enterprise and research institutions seeking dedicated, high-performance quantum resources. As a data analyst evaluating quantum hardware, understanding the strategic positioning and technical specifications of such a system is paramount. IQM Radiance is an on-premise superconducting quantum computer, a design choice that immediately signals a focus on low-latency operations and tight integration with existing classical high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. This contrasts sharply with cloud-based quantum services, offering distinct advantages for sensitive data processing or applications requiring immediate, dedicated access to quantum resources.
The system is available in multiple configurations, featuring 20, 54, or 150 physical qubits. This modularity is a critical factor for organizations, allowing them to select a system that aligns with their current computational needs and budget, while also providing a clear upgrade path. The 'physical qubits' metric, in this context, refers to scalable, high-fidelity qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks for quantum computation. IQM positions Radiance as a gate-based system capable of addressing both Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) challenges and paving the way towards Fault-Tolerant (FT) quantum computing. This dual focus is important; while current systems operate in the NISQ era, the architectural choices made today, such as high fidelity and specific connectivity, are designed with future fault tolerance in mind.
From an application perspective, IQM Radiance is explicitly designed for hybrid quantum-classical applications, optimization problems, and quantum simulation. Hybrid algorithms, which leverage the strengths of both classical supercomputers and quantum processors, are widely considered the most promising near-term path to achieving quantum advantage. For a data analyst, this means evaluating how well the system integrates with classical computational frameworks and what tools are available for orchestrating such hybrid workflows. Optimization problems, ranging from logistics to financial modeling, and quantum simulations, crucial for materials science and drug discovery, are areas where quantum computers are expected to deliver significant breakthroughs. The on-premise nature of Radiance can be particularly beneficial for these applications, enabling proprietary data to remain within an organization's secure network and minimizing data transfer overheads.
However, the on-premise model also presents specific tradeoffs that must be carefully considered. While it offers unparalleled low-latency access and dedicated resources, it also entails significant capital expenditure and operational overhead, including substantial power requirements (24-26 kW). This contrasts with the operational simplicity and variable cost model of cloud-based quantum services. The decision to deploy an IQM Radiance system would therefore involve a detailed cost-benefit analysis, weighing the strategic advantages of dedicated hardware against the infrastructure and maintenance commitments. The system's upgradability, with a roadmap extending to 300 qubits, offers a degree of future-proofing, allowing organizations to scale their quantum capabilities as the technology matures and their needs evolve. This long-term vision, coupled with installations already in the US (ORNL), Finland, and Italy, underscores IQM's commitment to global deployment and strategic partnerships in the quantum ecosystem.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| System ID | IQM Radiance |
| Vendor | IQM Quantum Computers |
| Technology | Superconducting transmon qubits |
| Status | On-premise deployments |
| Primary metric | Physical qubits |
| Metric meaning | Scalable high-fidelity qubits |
| Qubit mode | Gate-based NISQ to FT |
| Connectivity | Full square lattice with tunable couplers |
| Native gates | Arbitrary X, Y (single) | CZ (two-qubit) |
| Error rates & fidelities | 1Q fidelity: >=99.9% typical (2025) | 2Q fidelity: >=99.3% typical (2025) | Readout: >=97% (2025) |
| Benchmarks | Quantum Volume: 32 (20q, 2025) | CLOPS: 2600 (20q, 2025) | Q-Score: 15 (20q, 2025) | GHZ >0.5 fidelity on 20q |
| How to access | On-premise purchase | Integration with HPC |
| Platforms | IQM-owned production | HPC centers |
| SDKs | Not specified |
| Regions | Worldwide (installations in US, Finland, Italy) |
| Account requirements | Enterprise contracts |
| Pricing model | Enterprise purchase |
| Example prices | Approx EUR 5M (similar systems) |
| Free tier / credits | None |
| First announced | 2025-03 (Italy) |
| First available | 2025 Q4 (Italy) | 2025 Q3 (ORNL) |
| Major revisions | Upgradable to 300q (Finland 2027) |
| Retired / roadmap | Active, to Halocene line (2025-11) |
| Notes | Costs est. from VLQ; checked for 150q details, limited |
The IQM Radiance system is built upon superconducting transmon qubits, a leading technology in the pursuit of scalable and high-fidelity quantum computation. Transmon qubits are renowned for their relatively long coherence times and ease of control, making them a popular choice for gate-based quantum computers. The Radiance system's core strength lies in its ability to offer variants with 20, 54, or 150 physical qubits, providing a clear pathway for users to scale their computational power. These qubits are characterized by their high fidelity, a critical metric for executing complex quantum algorithms successfully. The 'metric meaning' of these physical qubits is their role as scalable, high-fidelity units, essential for moving beyond the limitations of current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Performance Metrics and Benchmarks: For a data analyst, the true measure of a quantum computer's capability lies in its performance metrics and benchmark results. IQM Radiance demonstrates competitive error rates and fidelities, which are crucial for the reliability of quantum operations. Single-qubit (1Q) fidelity is typically reported at >=99.9% by 2025, while two-qubit (2Q) fidelity is >=99.3% for the same period. Readout fidelity, which measures the accuracy of determining a qubit's state after computation, is projected at >=97% by 2025. These figures are vital; higher fidelities mean fewer errors accumulate during a quantum circuit, allowing for deeper and more complex computations. While these are typical projections for 2025, continuous monitoring of actual performance is essential.
Beyond raw fidelities, IQM Radiance has participated in standardized benchmarks. For a 20-qubit configuration, the system is projected to achieve a Quantum Volume (QV) of 32 by 2025. Quantum Volume is a holistic metric that assesses a quantum computer's effective computational power by considering both the number of qubits and their error rates. A higher QV indicates a more capable system. Additionally, the system targets 2600 CLOPS (Circuit Layer Operations Per Second) for a 20-qubit configuration by 2025, which measures the speed at which quantum circuits can be executed. A Q-Score of 15 is also projected for the 20-qubit system by 2025, providing another composite measure of performance. Furthermore, the ability to generate a GHZ (Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger) state with >0.5 fidelity on 20 qubits demonstrates the system's capacity for creating highly entangled states, a fundamental resource for many quantum algorithms. It is important to note that while these benchmarks provide valuable insights, the reported figures are primarily for the 20-qubit variant, and performance for the 54- and 150-qubit systems would require independent verification.
Gate Set and Operation Speeds: The native gate set for IQM Radiance includes arbitrary X and Y gates for single-qubit operations, and the CZ (Controlled-Z) gate for two-qubit interactions. This constitutes a universal gate set, meaning any quantum algorithm can theoretically be decomposed into these fundamental operations. The speed of these operations is also a key performance indicator: single-qubit gates typically complete in <=40 ns, while two-qubit gates are executed in <=60 ns. These rapid gate speeds contribute directly to the system's overall CLOPS performance and allow for the execution of deeper quantum circuits within the qubits' coherence times.
Connectivity and Scalability: The connectivity topology of IQM Radiance is described as a full square lattice with tunable couplers. This architecture provides a high degree of connectivity between qubits, which is advantageous for mapping various quantum algorithms efficiently. High connectivity reduces the need for costly SWAP operations, thereby preserving coherence and improving overall circuit fidelity. The availability of tunable couplers further enhances this flexibility, allowing for dynamic control over qubit interactions. The roadmap for Radiance includes upgradability, with plans for a 300-qubit system in Finland by 2027, indicating a strong commitment to scaling the technology.
Operational Considerations: Deploying an on-premise quantum computer like IQM Radiance involves significant infrastructure considerations. The system has a reported power consumption of 24-26 kW. This substantial power requirement necessitates robust electrical infrastructure and cooling solutions, which are typical for high-performance computing environments. For organizations considering an on-premise deployment, these operational costs and infrastructure demands are critical factors in the total cost of ownership and long-term operational planning. The on-premise model, while offering dedicated resources, also means the organization is responsible for the physical environment and ongoing maintenance of the quantum hardware.
| System | Status | Primary metric |
|---|---|---|
| IQM Emerald Quantum Processing Unit | Public cloud access | Physical qubits: 54 |
| IQM Star Quantum Processor | Available in deployed systems | Physical qubits: 24 (in VLQ/Sirius deployment) |
| IQM Sirius / VLQ Quantum Computer | Deployed on-premise | Physical qubits: 24 |
| IQM Garnet Quantum Processing Unit | Public cloud access | Physical qubits: 20 |
The development and deployment of the IQM Radiance system illustrate a rapid progression in quantum hardware availability and strategic partnerships. The system was first announced in March 2025, coinciding with a significant installation in Italy. This initial announcement marked IQM's commitment to delivering enterprise-grade, on-premise quantum solutions to a global market. For a data analyst, understanding these timelines is crucial for assessing market entry, competitive positioning, and the maturity of the technology.
Following its announcement, the IQM Radiance system became first available in Q4 2025 for the Italy installation. A particularly significant milestone was the availability in Q3 2025 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the United States. This partnership with a leading HPC center like ORNL underscores IQM's strategy of integrating quantum computing directly into existing supercomputing infrastructures, facilitating hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Such collaborations are vital for accelerating quantum research and development, providing researchers with direct access to cutting-edge hardware.
Looking ahead, IQM has outlined ambitious major revisions and roadmap items. A key development is the plan to deliver a world-leading 300-qubit quantum computer to Finland by 2027. This represents a substantial leap in qubit count from the initial 20, 54, and 150-qubit variants of Radiance, demonstrating a clear path towards larger-scale quantum systems. This upgradeability and future-proofing are critical considerations for organizations making long-term investments in quantum hardware, ensuring their initial purchase can evolve with technological advancements.
The roadmap also indicates that the Radiance line is 'Active' and will transition 'to Halocene line' by November 2025. This suggests a continuous product evolution, where Radiance serves as a foundational platform leading into a next-generation product family. For analysts, this implies that while Radiance is a current offering, IQM is already innovating towards its successors, which could bring further improvements in qubit count, fidelity, and overall performance. This continuous innovation cycle is characteristic of the rapidly evolving quantum computing industry, where hardware generations succeed each other at a fast pace.
The strategic deployment locations – US, Finland, Italy – highlight IQM's global ambition and its focus on establishing key quantum hubs. These installations not only provide access to the technology but also foster regional quantum ecosystems. The rapid succession of announcements and deployments within 2025 and the clear roadmap for 2027 demonstrate a confident and aggressive market strategy, aiming to solidify IQM's position as a leading provider of superconducting quantum computers for enterprise and research applications. The ability to track these milestones provides valuable context for evaluating the company's execution capabilities and the overall trajectory of the Radiance product line within the broader quantum computing landscape.
Verification confidence: Medium. Specs can vary by revision and access tier. Always cite the exact device name + date-stamped metrics.
IQM Radiance is an on-premise superconducting quantum computer developed by IQM Quantum Computers. It is designed for enterprise and research use, offering scalable qubit counts (20, 54, or 150 physical qubits) and high-fidelity operations for integration with high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
The system utilizes superconducting transmon qubits, a leading technology known for its potential in achieving high fidelity and scalability in gate-based quantum computing.
For a 20-qubit system, projected 2025 metrics include 1Q fidelity of >=99.9%, 2Q fidelity of >=99.3%, and readout fidelity of >=97%. Benchmarks include a Quantum Volume of 32, 2600 CLOPS, and a Q-Score of 15, along with >0.5 fidelity for 20-qubit GHZ states.
Access is primarily through on-premise purchase via enterprise contracts. It is designed for integration into existing HPC centers, with installations already in the US (ORNL), Finland, and Italy. Public access is available through strategic partnerships.
IQM Radiance is optimized for hybrid quantum-classical applications, complex optimization problems, and quantum simulations, making it suitable for fields like materials science, drug discovery, and financial modeling.
The system has a significant power consumption of 24-26 kW. This is an important consideration for infrastructure planning and operational costs for on-premise deployments.
The Radiance line is active and is expected to transition to the 'Halocene' product line by November 2025. Major upgrades include plans to deliver a 300-qubit system to Finland by 2027, demonstrating a clear path for increased qubit counts and capabilities.