To the right of the entrance sign stands a hefty, metal blue door.
My initial impression isthe sound a low, steady purr punctuated by a bizarre rhythmic pumping noise.
That, I would later discover, was the heartbeat of a quantum computer.
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That makes machines like these among the coldest places in the known universe.
But ultra-cold isnt enough qubits also need near-perfect isolation from other particles in the air.
Each machine is supported by some serious industrial hardware.
One of the largest pieces of equipment in the lab is the cryogenics system.
The helium compressor produces the distinctive rhythmic sound of a quantum computer the cryostat itself is completely silent.
Then there are the servers, placed beside each cryostat.
They provide the precise control and support infrastructure that allows delicate quantum systems to operate effectively.
They also produce the specific microwave pulses required to keep the qubits stable.
Yes, even the quantum computers of the future will need classical computers to function, Frank says.
But all that tech is essential it protects the fragile qubits while still allowing for their manipulation.
you gotta isolate qubits from the environment but still control them, says Frank.
Thats the engineering paradox of quantum computing.
Its baffled researchers for decades.
They could alsobreak all internet encryptionon what is known asQ-Day so there are risks, too.
IQMs quantum processors currently range from six to 50 qubits.
The company hopes to produce a 1 million-qubit system by 2033.
This site also houses Europes only private quantum chip factory.
While IQM is one of Europes most prominent quantum startups, its far from alone.
UK-based Quantinuum is the best-funded, having raised $647 million at a$5bn valuation.
Other European big shots include French startup Pasqal and the UKs Oxford Quantum Circuits.
IQM aims to get there by 2030, according to its publicly available roadmap.
IQMs estimate is on the optimistic side.
In February, Googles CEO Sundar Pichai said he believes practically useful quantum computers are five-to-10 years away.
Truth is, no one knows exactly when well get there.
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Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
