The SUPREME consortium has been selected to address the scaling of industrial production for European quantum chips, operating under a six-year Framework Partnership Agreement coordinated by VTT. The initiative encompasses 23 partners across eight Member States, with a focus on establishing stable and repeatable fabrication processes currently hindering the transition from research prototypes to commercially viable quantum technologies.
The consortium’s approach centres on technologies, including angle-evaporated and etched Josephson junctions – superconducting electronic switches – alongside 3D integration methods and hybrid quantum processes. These are intended to support the development of quantum computing, sensing and communication applications. Validation will be undertaken through pilot lines demonstrating 3D-integrated qubit assemblies for large-scale Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), travelling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs), and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs).
A key objective is to provide access to these fabrication processes via comprehensive process design kits (PDKs). These kits will enable academic institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and larger industrial entities to design and develop their own quantum devices and systems without needing to establish foundational fabrication capabilities. SUPREME will collaborate with existing design platforms and chip competence centres to facilitate access to these PDKs and foster a broader European ecosystem.
The project is structured in two phases, funded through successive Specific Grant Agreements, with the pilot line expected to commence operations in early 2026. Initial technologies are anticipated to be available for external users by 2027. The consortium represents a confluence of expertise from academia, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), industrial technology developers, and end-users, aiming to establish a reliable domestic supply chain for European quantum chips and reduce reliance on external manufacturing capabilities.
Technological Focus and Pilot Line Development
The SUPREME pilot line will function as a crucial intermediary step, bridging the gap between technology development and full-scale industrial manufacturing. Engaging in direct dialogue with potential industrial foundries, the consortium intends to facilitate technology transfer and establish a robust manufacturing supply chain for European quantum chips. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with scaling production and ensure the long-term viability of the European quantum technology sector.
The consortium’s focus on establishing comprehensive process design kits (PDKs) is intended to empower European quantum companies by providing reliable foundational building blocks. By abstracting away the complexities of fabrication, these PDKs will enable innovators to concentrate on application-specific design and system-level integration, accelerating the pace of innovation. This strategy is predicated on the belief that a readily accessible and standardised fabrication infrastructure is essential for fostering a vibrant and competitive European quantum ecosystem.
Funded through the Chips Joint Undertaking (JU), the SUPREME project is structured around a two-phase technology roadmap executed via successive Specific Grant Agreements. This phased approach allows for iterative development and refinement of fabrication processes, ensuring alignment with evolving industry needs and technological advancements. The anticipated commencement of pilot line operations in early 2026, with initial technologies available to external users in 2027, represents a tangible step towards realising a domestic supply of European quantum chips.
Consortium Details and Timeline
The consortium’s composition reflects a deliberate integration of expertise. Partners encompass VTT (Finland), TNO (Netherlands), Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), Technical University of Munich (Germany), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (Germany), Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (Germany), Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Germany), CEA (France), University of Naples Federico II (Italy), Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy), IFAE (Spain), Silicon Austria Labs (Austria), Infineon Technologies (Germany), IQM Finland Oy (Finland), Arctic Instruments Oy (Finland), Alice & Bob (France), QuantWare BV (Netherlands), Single Quantum BV (Netherlands), QphoX BV (Netherlands), Peak Quantum GmbH (Germany), Silent Waves (France), Amires (Czech Republic) and Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech S.L. (Spain). This collaborative structure aims to leverage complementary strengths across the value chain, from fundamental research to industrial implementation.
More information
External Link: Click Here For More
