Bologna unveiled two new EuroHPC systems at the DAMA Technopole: SOL, a quantum computer, and LISA, an AI partition tied into the Leonardo supercomputer.
SOL uses Pasqal’s neutral-atom technology and delivers at least 140 qubits in analogue mode, with a 2027 hybrid analogue-digital upgrade planned; European users are expected to gain access in autumn 2026.
LISA adds 166 GPU servers with 1,328 processors to handle large language models, generative AI and multimodal workloads, and is due to open to users in summer 2026.
The rollout is backed by about €63 million in combined investment—€13 million for SOL and roughly €50 million for LISA—to expand European computing capacity and reduce reliance on non-European infrastructure.
SOL becomes the sixth quantum system procured under EuroHPC, extending a pan-European network meant to support research, industry and public-sector use in quantum computing and AI.
With Europe investing heavily in quantum hardware, who will develop the algorithms to unlock its true potential?
As Europe builds its own AI and quantum systems, can it achieve technological independence from global giants?
SOL and LISA Launch: Europe’s €50 Million Bet on Quantum and AI Supercomputing Leadership
Overview
On June 11, 2026, the SOL quantum computer and LISA AI partition were inaugurated in Bologna, Italy, marking a new era for European computing. Integrated with the powerful Leonardo supercomputer, these deployments are designed to boost Europe's ability to solve complex scientific and industrial problems. The LISA AI partition represents a major investment, while SOL enables hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Together, they allow researchers to tackle advanced challenges in optimization, quantum physics, and machine learning, opening new frontiers for research and innovation across the continent.