IQM: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

IQM Quantum Computers is a pioneering Finnish startup specializing in superconducting quantum computing technology. Founded in 2018, IQM has quickly established itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving quantum computing industry, combining advanced hardware and software to create scalable, high-performance quantum systems. With a vision to build fault-tolerant quantum machines capable of supporting up to a million qubits, IQM’s work holds the promise of transforming fields such as material science, finance, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing (HPC). This article explores ten fascinating facets of IQM’s journey, technology, achievements, and strategic direction as it races to scale quantum computing beyond Europe and into global markets.

1. Origin and Founding of IQM

IQM was established in 2018 in Espoo, Finland, by a team of quantum physicists and experienced entrepreneurs. The company was born from a vision to build full-stack superconducting quantum computers—meaning hardware integrated with custom software and control systems tailored for complex quantum operations. From its start, IQM focused on bridging the gap between theoretical quantum research and practical, scalable quantum machines, which positioned it uniquely in the European quantum technology ecosystem dominated by academic initiatives.

2. Breakthroughs in Superconducting Quantum Technology

At the core of IQM's products are superconducting qubits, which operate at ultra-low temperatures and exhibit quantum behaviors necessary for powerful computation. IQM has developed proprietary techniques to improve qubit fidelity and control, key for minimizing errors in quantum calculations. The company has already delivered multiple quantum computers featuring 20, 54, and 150 qubits, with systems optimally designed for integration with HPC infrastructure to enhance simulation, optimization, and machine learning capabilities.

3. Ambitious Roadmap Toward Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing

IQM’s technological roadmap aims to move beyond today's noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices toward fault-tolerant, error-corrected quantum computers. With a clear goal to scale quantum processors from thousands of qubits to a million qubits by around 2030, IQM is investing heavily in chip fabrication upgrades in Finland and innovations in quantum error correction protocols. Such advancements are essential to unlock the full computational power of quantum machines.

4. Leading Position in European Quantum Market

IQM has emerged as a European quantum powerhouse, notably securing the largest Series B funding round outside the U.S., totaling over $320 million in 2025. This milestone underscores investor confidence in its technology and business model. IQM has sold more quantum systems by volume in Europe than any other vendor and is increasingly integrating its machines in major HPC centers, including partnerships with research institutions across Germany, Finland, South Korea, and other countries.

5. Expansion into the U.S. and Global Markets

With its recent capital influx led by U.S. investment firm Ten Eleven Ventures, IQM is accelerating its push into global markets, notably North America. This strategic expansion aims to complement its European base by scaling up production capabilities, establishing data centers, and fostering partnerships in key innovation hubs worldwide. The move is critical in a competitive landscape dominated by giant tech companies, requiring agility and specialized offerings focused on on-premises quantum systems for research and enterprise customers.

6. IQM’s Integrated Quantum Cloud Platform

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, IQM develops not only hardware but also a cloud platform that allows remote access to its quantum computers. This hybrid model supports users worldwide, enabling researchers, universities, and companies to run quantum algorithms without the need for physical infrastructure. Recent upgrades in 2025 have enhanced this platform’s performance, opening real-world use cases and accelerating collaborative quantum application development.

7. Partnerships and Collaborations in Quantum Ecosystem

IQM collaborates closely with numerous stakeholders across academia, industry, and government initiatives. A notable partnership is with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, through which IQM launched Europe’s first 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer accessible via cloud services. Moreover, IQM is involved in the Euro-Q-Exa project, delivering quantum systems to integrate with Leibniz Supercomputing Centre’s infrastructure in Germany, supporting European quantum supercomputing capabilities.

8. IQM’s Role in Quantum Computing Research and Talent Development

Beyond hardware innovation, IQM contributes to cultivating quantum computing talent and ecosystem growth. The company’s State of Quantum reports provide comprehensive insights into industry trends and challenges, such as software development, talent shortages, and convergence with AI and HPC. IQM also supports open-source projects and offers pulse-level hardware access to users to encourage advanced research that will fuel next-generation quantum software and applications.

9. Real-World Applications and Use Cases

IQM’s quantum technologies are deployed for tackling complex problems in sectors including material science, pharmaceuticals, finance, and cybersecurity. For example, IQM’s systems support simulations of quantum materials, optimization problems, and emerging quantum machine learning algorithms. An illustrative case is the use of quantum computing in gaming, where IQM’s partner VTT applied a 50-qubit system to generate real-time, endlessly replayable multiplayer online game levels, showcasing quantum’s potential beyond conventional fields.

10. Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite remarkable progress, IQM faces challenges typical of the quantum computing industry such as scaling qubit counts while maintaining low error rates, competing with tech giants, and evolving quantum software ecosystems. However, the substantial recent funding, cutting-edge research, and global expansion efforts suggest a promising trajectory. IQM aims to be at the forefront of the quantum era, not just by building larger qubit systems but by delivering complete, practical quantum solutions for tomorrow’s technological demands.

Conclusion

IQM Quantum Computers exemplifies the dynamic growth and innovation defining the quantum computing sector today. From its Finnish roots, IQM has scaled swiftly, blending pioneering superconducting technology with software and cloud capabilities to serve global HPC and research markets. Its aggressive roadmap toward fault-tolerant million-qubit systems, backed by record-breaking funding, positions IQM as a key player shaping the quantum future. As quantum computing moves from promise to impactful application, IQM’s journey prompts us to consider how this transformative technology will alter our computing landscape and daily lives in the decades ahead.