Considered a game changer, quantum computing will generate knowledge and create new opportunities in many sectors of industry within just a few years: for optimization and simulation, in logistics and transport, energy management, chemistry, medicine or materials science. There is broad consensus in Germany about the huge potential of this future technology. The political, industrial and scientific worlds are working to advance quantum computing to be able to solve practical problems more efficiently sometime soon. Until now, there has been no secure research platform on which companies and institutions can try out quantum-based research strategies, optimize their fields of application and develop the skills they need by training on the system. The quantum computer in Ehningen in Baden-Württemberg is now offering such a platform.
Setting a milestone for technological sovereignty
“If we want to actively help shape the fast-paced advancements in quantum computing, we in Germany must now develop the expertise required for the various application scenarios, as well as the compatible algorithms and the all important new business models,” explains Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. “With our platform around the IBM quantum computer and our Competence Network Quantum Computing, we are offering all companies and research institutions the opportunity to play an active part in advancing this future technology, gather the expertise they need to thrive in the quantum age and apply the newly acquired skills to good advantage.”
“Here at IBM, we are convinced that open technologies and an active and global community of developers, scientists and experts from industry, government and universities are the key to the success of the quantum computer,” says Gregor Pillen, General Manager IBM Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “The first installation of an IBM Quantum System One in Europe will accelerate progress in this field and give companies of all sizes access to the technology as they prepare to enter the quantum computer era.”
German Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek explains: “Quantum technologies will bring about lasting and fundamental changes in science, business and society. Quantum sensors, quantum communication or even quantum computing — all of these emerging technologies will enable solutions for those scientific, economic and social problems that have long seemed unsolvable. For example, quantum communication will make completely secure data transmission a reality. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research promotes quantum technologies through its own initiatives and funding announcements, such as the QuNET project for completely secure communication, in order to facilitate the transfer of quantum technologies into everyday applications for business and society and to secure Germany’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty. I am doing all that I can to make sure that we decisively and quickly advance the critical field of quantum technologies and develop ready-to-use mature technology in Germany. The Federal Research Ministry can rely on the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and its institutes as an important partner in the German research landscape for this undertaking.”
Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann says: “The quantum computer is an important step for the state of Baden-Württemberg on its journey to successfully shaping key future technologies and meeting the challenges of the digital age. With this initiative, we are contributing to a German quantum technology ecosystem with international magnetic appeal, and setting a milestone for the technological sovereignty of Germany and of Europe. We want to use the opportunities quantum computing offers for applications in industry and science at the earliest possible stage. Quantum computers hold huge potential for the fields of research and experimentation: This technology can optimize traffic flows and logistical processes, analyze complex financial flows more efficiently, simulate new chemical models or accelerate innovations in the medical and energy sectors.”
State Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, emphasizes: “Baden-Württemberg has the benefit of an established network of excellent quantum science at universities and applied research institutions, as well as an internationally leading high-tech industry. With our knowledge, we are making a significant contribution to the progress and use of quantum computing. Quantum algorithms are opening up brand new opportunities and much more efficient approaches — in the engineering, material and data sciences for example. To develop these fields for profitable applications in our country, we are collaborating with Fraunhofer and IBM to create access to what is currently Europe's most powerful quantum computer in Ehningen.”
Unveiling at the Hannover Messe
The central point of contact for use of the quantum computer is the Fraunhofer Competence Network Quantum Computing, comprising several regional Competence Centers with various areas of focus. At the Hannover Messe Digital Edition on April 13 and 14, the network will showcase the opportunities the quantum computer is offering industry and research. To access the computer, companies need a license agreement with Fraunhofer. The price structure is based on a monthly ticket. All processed data remain stored locally in Ehningen and are governed by German data protection regulations.
The official inaugural ceremony of the quantum computer at its location in Ehningen has been postponed due the coronavirus restrictions. The exact date is yet to be announced.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft