HQS Quantum Simulations to participate in the conception of the first German quantum computer within Q-Exa consortium
In the collaboration between IQM, Atos, and HQS Quantum Simulations, each of the three companies is tasked with a specific aspect of the project, from physical and simulation software to hardware.
Karlsruhe, 16.11.2021. A leading-edge quantum computer will soon solve intricate problems for the Leibniz-Rechenzentrum (LRZ) in Munich, already home to one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, thanks to a joint effort by Atos, IQM, and HQS Quantum Simulations.
Quantum computers, based on the paradigms of quantum physics, operate in ways fundamentally different from classical computers, endowing them with algorithmic schemes physically unavailable to current computers. This makes them quite desirable for next-generation High Performance Computing, that is, highly complex and data-heavy calculations performed, for example, in the context of research and development, AI training, or physical simulations.
As part of the “Quantencomputer-Demonstrationsaufbauten” ("Quantum Computer Demonstration Developments") project, the German Federal Government is investing around one billion euros until 2025 through the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) in order to build and develop a competitive German quantum computer. For this purpose, the „Quantencomputer-Erweiterung durch Exascale-HPC“, (“Quantum Computer Enhancement through Exascale HPC”) or Q-Exa consortium has been created with Finnish quantum computing leader IQM as its leading collaborator, with the aim of furthering the quantum computing in Germany through strategic synergies with partners in the closely interlinked HPC field. The group also includes French HPC leader Atos, and Germany’s HQS Quantum Simulations, who serves as the quantum-physical software expert.
IQM will build and deliver the hardware that will be integrated into the LRZ, while Atos will oversee the practical HPC matters of the enterprise. HQS Quantum Simulations will conduct the development of quantum optimized software in the domain of chemical and physical simulations, and manage the creation of industrial use-cases based on the aforementioned software.
“This project is a bold move in the direction of competitive quantum advantage in Germany,” commented Michael Marthaler, CEO of HQS Quantum Simulations. “The [Q-Exa consortium’s] project will provide a very strong hardware foundation for the development of entire industries relying on quantum computing. To collaborate with such strong partners is also very good news for HQS.”
These research projects can be accessed on the BMBF dedicated website. The Q-Exa consortium has received 45,3 million euros to fulfill its goal, which is set for the end of 2024.