BACQ: French benchmarks to measure real quantum performance
A METRIQs-France project building open benchmarks to compare quantum computers on concrete tasks.
BACQ is a French project developing open benchmarks to evaluate quantum computers on concrete tasks. Coordinated by Thales within the METRIQs-France programme, it runs from 2023 to 2026 with a budget of about 4 million euros.
Why it matters
Comparing quantum machines is hard, and marketing claims are common. Shared, application-oriented benchmarks help users judge real progress, pick the right machine and support standardisation.
Key takeaways
- BACQ is coordinated by Thales, with Eviden, CEA, CNRS, Teratec and LNE, within the METRIQs-France programme run by France's national metrology laboratory.
- It has a budget of about 4 million euros and runs from September 2023 to November 2026.
- The benchmarks cover optimisation, linear systems, quantum simulation, factoring and energy efficiency.
- According to Frédéric Barbaresco, a set of metrics is being consolidated for open release on GitHub.
BACQ is a French R&D project building benchmarks to evaluate quantum computers on real, user-relevant tasks. It sits within METRIQs-France, the national programme on quantum metrology led by the LNE, and is coordinated by Thales, alongside Eviden, CEA, CNRS and Teratec. Its budget is about 4 million euros, over September 2023 to November 2026.
The idea is to move past raw qubit counts toward a reliable way to compare machines. The benchmarks span optimisation, linear systems, quantum simulation, factoring and energy efficiency, so results can be read across very different technologies.
Reporting a project progress meeting on LinkedIn, Frédéric Barbaresco recalled Lord Kelvin's line that what cannot be measured cannot be improved, and said a set of metrics is being consolidated for open release on GitHub.
Technology
Use case
Organization
Country / Region
Keep exploring
CNRS: how French quantum research is moving toward industry
Patents, pre-maturation and startups, as France adds one billion euros to its quantum strategy.
The CNRS describes the chain that carries quantum research from the laboratory to industry, from patents to startup creation. It holds around 70 patent families in quantum, and five French startups now build quantum computers.
CNRS·25 Jun 2026
Europe opens a consultation on its quantum roadmaps
Six draft roadmaps, from chip industrialisation to standardisation, are open for comment until 16 August 2026.
The European quantum community has opened a public consultation on six draft roadmaps covering the field, from quantum chip industrialisation to standardisation. Contributions are open until 16 August 2026.
Quantum Flagship (SRIA)·23 Jul 2026
France's audit office takes stock of quantum computing support
Public money was well managed, says the Cour des comptes, but the strategy no longer matches the pace of international competition.
In a report published in July 2026, the French audit office reviews the national quantum strategy. It finds real but fragile successes, and warns that a phase of consolidation, and sometimes predation, of French companies has already begun.
Cour des comptes·20 Jul 2026