Under the terms of the joint initiative, an IBM Q System One quantum computer, designed to perform multi-qubit operations to an extremely high level of quality, stability, reliability, and reproducibility is to be installed in Germany – the first of its kind in Europe. It is anticipated to provide the ideal platform for state-of-the-art research into concrete quantum computing applications in science and industry.

Quantum computing promises to deliver, among other things, the power required to analyze complex systems of business and industry, and to significantly increase the performance of artificial intelligence in order e.g. to improve supply chains, logistics, and financial data modeling. Over the next two years, the German federal government will be investing €650 million in the development of market-ready applications. The establishment of the Fraunhofer Center for Quantum Computing is in accordance with the objectives of the federal government’s framework program. At the same time, it will provide the IBM Q Network with a major European hub for quantum computing. The focus here will be on achieving a concentration of quantum skills in Germany and building a community of researchers, developers, IT professionals, and industry experts in this field. As part of the IBM Q Network, participating companies will receive support and training from IBM.