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1. The Joint Undertaking shall acquire quantum computers and quantum simulators, that could range from pilots and experimental systems to prototypes and operational systems as stand-alone machines or hybridised with high-end or mid-range High Performance Computing machines and accessible via the cloud, and shall own them.

2. The Union financial contribution referred to in Article 5(1) shall cover up to 50 % of the acquisition costs plus up to 50 % of the operating costs of the quantum computers and quantum simulators. The remaining total cost of ownership of the quantum computers and quantum simulators shall be covered by the Participating State where the hosting entity is established or by the Participating States in the hosting consortium, possibly supplemented by the contributions referred to in Article 6.

3. The selection of the supplier of the quantum computers and quantum simulators shall be based on tender specifications that shall take into account the user requirements and the general system specifications provided by the selected hosting entity in its application for the call for expression of interest. The selection shall also address the security of the supply chain.

4. The Joint Undertaking may act as first user and acquire quantum computers and quantum simulators that integrate technologies primarily developed in the Union.

5. The Governing Board may decide in the work programme, if duly justified for security reasons, to condition the participation of suppliers in the acquisition of the quantum computers and quantum simulators in accordance with Article 12(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/694 or to limit the participation of suppliers for security reasons or actions directly related to the Union’s strategic autonomy, in accordance with Article 18(4) of that Regulation.

6. The quantum computers and quantum simulators shall be located in a hosting entity of a EuroHPC supercomputer or a supercomputing centre located in the Union.

7. Without prejudice to the winding up of the Joint Undertaking, as referred to in Article 23(4) of the Statutes, at the earliest four years after the successful acceptance test by the quantum computer or quantum simulator installed in a hosting entity, the ownership of the quantum computer or quantum simulator may be transferred to that hosting entity, sold to another entity or decommissioned upon decision of the Governing Board and in accordance with the hosting agreement. In the case of transfer of ownership of a quantum computer or quantum simulator, the hosting entity shall reimburse the Joint Undertaking the residual value of the supercomputer that is transferred. If there is no transfer of ownership to the hosting entity but a decision for decommissioning, the relevant costs shall be shared equally by the Joint Undertaking and the hosting entity. The Joint Undertaking shall not be liable for any costs incurred after the transfer of ownership of the quantum computer or quantum simulator or after its sale or decommissioning.