Infineon Technologies is participating in three European pilot line projects for quantum chips: 'SUPREME', 'CHAMP-ION' and 'SPINS'. The programs are intended to close the gap between laboratory research and industrial series production and are aimed at start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions. A total of six projects with different technological approaches were selected.

Quantum computers are considered a key technology as they can solve certain complex problems faster than conventional computers. Areas of application range from the development of new medicines and materials to the optimization of supply chains and power grids. Studies forecast a market volume of up to 97 billion US dollars by 2035, but the prerequisite for widespread use is the reliable and scalable production of central components such as quantum processors.

"The goal is clear: quantum computers are to be developed and manufactured in Europe. The quantum pilot lines create precisely the close and effective collaboration along the entire quantum value chain that is necessary for this. Together with excellent partners, we are strengthening Europe's quantum ecosystem and translating scientific excellence into scalable industrial solutions. This is how quantum technology makes the step from the lab to real-world applications," says Sabine Herlitschka, Head of Strategic Funding Management at Infineon Technologies.

Infineon contributes its experience in development and production to three different technological approaches. These include ion traps, superconducting systems and semiconductor-based spin technologies. The work is carried out in specialized laboratories that are closely linked to semiconductor production to enable later scaling.

The projects

In the 'CHAMP-ION' project, coordinated by Silicon Austria Labs, 21 partners from six countries are working on a production line for ion trap quantum chips. The aim is to create an end-to-end value chain from design and microstructuring through to testing and validation. The systems will integrate electronics and photonic components on one chip.

The 'SUPREME' project is led by the Finnish research organization VTT and involves 23 partners from eight countries. The focus is on the industrialization of superconducting quantum technologies. Among other things, a 3D-integrated module with 200 qubits is planned to improve stability, yield and reproducibility.

'SPINS' is coordinated by the Belgian research center imec. 25 partners from nine countries are developing quantum chips based on silicon and silicon-germanium. Scalability is to be increased through the use of CMOS production technologies. In addition, standardized quantum design kits are provided to enable parallel process runs on a semiconductor wafer.

The pilot lines are co-financed by the European Union and additionally supported by participating countries as part of the "Chips for Europe" initiative and the Chips Joint Undertaking.