Brazil Launches Latin America's First Operational Quantum Computers to Boost Technological Sovereignty
Brazil is inaugurating Latin America’s first operational quantum computers in Paraíba, strengthening its technological sovereignty and innovation capacity.
- • Brazil will launch the International Quantum Computing Center (Ciquanta-PB) in 2026 with Latin America's first operational quantum computers.
- • The government aims to reduce external technological dependencies and build national capabilities in quantum technologies.
- • Brazil has a strong foundation in quantum research from institutions such as CBPF and QuantumTec.
- • The initiative is supported by government programs like Mais Inovação Brasil to foster scientific innovation and competitiveness.
Key details
Brazil is set to take a major leap forward in quantum technology with the inauguration of the International Quantum Computing Center (Ciquanta-PB) in Paraíba, scheduled for 2026. This cutting-edge facility will house the first two operational quantum computers in Latin America, positioning Brazil as a regional leader in this transformative field. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), under the leadership of Minister Luciana Santos, is spearheading this initiative as part of a broader government strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and strengthen national capabilities in the quantum domain.
The Brazilian government has launched the second call for the Mais Inovação Brasil program, which allocates funding for innovative projects, including those focused on quantum science. Brazil's foundation in quantum research is deep-rooted, dating back to early 2000s efforts by prominent institutions like the Brazilian Center for Physics Research (CBPF) and the QuantumTec laboratory, which have cultivated a strong base of expertise.
Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize numerous sectors, including computation, information security, industrial processes, defense, health, and natural resource exploration. Minister Luciana Santos emphasizes that investing in these technologies is vital for Brazil's sovereignty and future leadership in science and industry. She stated, “Transforming knowledge into development demands robust connections among researchers, universities, and companies, enabling scientific innovation to translate into competitive advantages for our nation.”
This strategic move aligns with President Lula's vision to propel Brazil into a new era of technological leadership by fostering innovation ecosystems that reduce external dependencies and integrate the country into high-value global technology chains. The establishment of Ciquanta-PB marks a pivotal moment in Latin America's technological landscape, with Brazil setting the stage for future advancements that could secure its place among leading nations in quantum innovation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
