IBM and Fraunhofer Partner on Quantum Computing Initiative for Germany

IBM and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft announced an agreement to partner in the area of quantum computing with the goal of advancing the research and experimentation in Germany. The cooperation aims to drive the creation of a new community for industry and application-oriented quantum computation strategies.

Under terms of the agreement, an IBM Q System One will be located in an IBM facility in Germany. It will be the first installation of its kind in Europe. The German Government will invest 650 Million Euros over the next two years to support the transition of quantum technologies from basic research into market ready applications.

Now, the IBM Q Network will have a major, new European hub for quantum computing. The hub will focus on developing a unique concentration of quantum skills in Germany and build a community of academics, researchers, developers, IT professionals and industry experts around the technology. The joint initiative aims to unite prominent partners in research and industry under the roof of a Fraunhofer Competence center for quantum computing.

"This effort is poised to be a major catalyst for Europe's innovation landscape and research capabilities around quantum computing. This collaboration will bring together European experts in a broad community of research partners to prepare the region for upcoming opportunities in the digital economy. Through this joint effort with Fraunhofer, we are ensuring the region is at the frontline of building the future", said Martin Jetter, Senior Vice President and Chairman IBM Europe.

"This partnership is a landmark quantum computing initiative and a crucial step forward for German research institutions as well as businesses of all sizes in our country. The installation of an IBM Q System in Europe is unprecedented and opens up the development of quantum computational strategies at the Fraunhofer-Centre under full data sovereignty according to European law", Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, said.