The first quantum computer produced by IBM in the USA has been in Germany since 2021. This is an important first step towards approaching this future technology and expanding expertise in this field. German industry could benefit from this - but where do we actually stand in Germany? Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management & Marketing at reichelt elektronik, assesses the situation as follows:

What is a quantum computer?

To understand the advantages of a quantum computer, it is important to know how it works. Differentiating it from a conventional computer can help: While a conventional computer uses classical bits, a quantum computer uses the laws of quantum mechanics. Bits only know the state 1 or 0. Instead, a quantum computer works with quantum bits. A qubit (short for quantum bits) is the smallest computing and information unit with which a quantum computer works. In contrast to bits, much more information can be represented and processed simultaneously in this form. This makes it possible to process enormous amounts of data much faster - this holds great potential for industry and may lead to increased competitiveness in the future for companies that want to use the technology.

A practical example from the automotive industry shows how the new computers are already being tested today. Car manufacturers use many components from suppliers and are dependent on flawless delivery. BMW has been testing the quantum computer from US company Honeywell since 2021. In the current test phase, BMW is pursuing the goal of monitoring the supply chain in real time and optimizing production speed. In particular, the aim is to find out which components the Munich-based car manufacturer buys from which supplier at what time in order to achieve lower overall costs in ongoing operations - the computer has to weigh up the best option.

With all the tests on the market and also in research, the biggest challenge at the moment is that the qubits are very susceptible to interference: Triggers such as ambient noise, vibrations and temperature fluctuations can cause them to lose their quantum properties within 100 microseconds. Before a quantum computer can move into a conventional data center, it must be equipped for this and the environment must be prepared accordingly - identifying approaches to error correction is therefore an important part of the research teams' work.

Potential for Germany

Nevertheless, Germany is aware of the importance of this technology and, under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, supported the acquisition of the first quantum computer for Germany in 2021. With the "IBM Quantum System One" research platform, a joint project between the Fraunhofer Society for Application-Oriented Research and IBM was launched in Ehningen, Baden-Württemberg, with the first universal quantum computer developed by the IT company. This enables researchers from industry and science to test the technology. For a monthly rent of 11,621 euros, the quantum computer with its 27 qubits can also be tested by companies. And the federal government is continuing to invest in the technology: it plans to invest an additional two billion euros in it by 2025.

There is also a network of universities, research institutes and companies - the so-called "Munich Quantum Valley". The central aim of this network, which is unique in Europe, is to establish a center for quantum computing and quantum technology (ZQQ) over the next five years. Munich Quantum Valley" is not only intended to promote research in Germany, but also to send a clear signal to quantum technology experts that Germany is taking a decisive direction in international competition in this field.

This year's Nobel Prize award to quantum physicists Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger makes it clear how highly regarded quantum technology already is as a field of research worldwide. The work of the Nobel Prize winners is regarded as the foundation for a new era in the field.

A quantum outlook

As part of a European initiative, six quantum computers will be integrated into existing supercomputers, creating a broad network across Europe - one of which will be located in Germany. The new quantum computers are expected to be available in the second half of 2023. These machines will consist only of European hardware and software and will use European technology developed through EU-funded quantum initiatives, national research programs and private investment. This will bring Europe one step closer to its goal of being at the forefront of quantum capability by 2030. However, it will probably take more than a quantum leap before quantum computers can be used on a broad scale in German industry.

Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management & Marketing, Reichelt Elektronik