The Fraunhofer Institutes IAF, IAO, ITWM, and IPA are jointly conducting the four-year INQUBATOR project—an Industrial Quantum Computing Consulting and Test Center—to facilitate access to quantum computing resources for industry. This initiative provides low-threshold access to quantum computers from various manufacturers, enabling companies to develop and test tailored solutions and quantum algorithms without significant hardware investment. INQUBATOR aims to prepare the German economy for the quantum revolution and secure its international competitiveness by proactively engaging companies – including SMEs – in collaborative research and development activities. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer IAF and funded by the Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt.
Access to Quantum Computing Resources
The Fraunhofer INQUBATOR project focuses on providing industrial users with low-threshold access to quantum computing resources. This initiative aims to enable companies, particularly SMEs, to overcome the hurdles of utilizing this emerging technology without significant upfront investment in expensive hardware. Through workshops, training, and potential programming support, companies can develop and test tailored solutions, gaining a solid understanding of quantum algorithms and their potential applications for their specific needs.
A key aspect of INQUBATOR is cost-effective access to quantum computers from various manufacturers. Project partners receive access to the Fraunhofer Institutes’ HPC and quantum computing infrastructure without additional costs. The project begins by addressing four initial use-cases – spanning medicine, cybersecurity, insurance, and automotive industries – as a foundation for attracting wider industry participation. An open call for proposals will integrate at least eight more use-cases from diverse sectors in the first year.
INQUBATOR reduces barriers for companies by addressing the high costs and fundamentally different approach of quantum computing compared to classical algorithms. This allows companies to explore potential applications and efficiently solve complex problems. The four-year project, coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF and funded by the BMFTR (Förderkennzeichen 13N17420), is designed to strengthen the knowledge base and IP within Germany, bolstering its technological leadership and opening new market opportunities.
Development and Testing of Use-Cases
The Fraunhofer INQUBATOR project focuses on enabling industrial users to access quantum computing resources and develop practical use-cases. A key element is providing low-barrier, cost-effective access to quantum computers from various manufacturers. Companies can develop tailored solutions and test quantum algorithms without significant hardware investment. Through workshops, training, and optional programming support, industrial partners actively participate in developing their use-cases, fostering a deeper understanding of the technology and its potential.
Initially, the project will address four use-cases defined in collaboration with industry partners, spanning medicine, cybersecurity, insurance, and automotive sectors. Following this, an open call will aim to integrate at least eight additional use-cases from diverse industries during the first year. These projects will not only enhance quantum computing understanding but also strengthen knowledge transfer between science and industry, with specific utilization plans developed for each case.
INQUBATOR aims to lower barriers to quantum computing adoption by addressing the high costs and radically different solution approach compared to classical algorithms. This enables companies to explore and utilize quantum computing effectively, boosting their competitiveness. The four-year project, coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF and funded by the BMFTR (Förderkennzeichen 13N17420), seeks to expand Germany’s knowledge and IP base in quantum computing, securing its technological leadership.
Supporting German Industry and Competitiveness
The Fraunhofer INQUBATOR project aims to bolster German industry by providing accessible entry points into quantum computing. The initiative offers companies, including SMEs, low-threshold access to quantum computers without requiring investment in expensive hardware. Through workshops, training, and collaborative research, INQUBATOR actively involves industrial partners in developing and understanding tailored quantum solutions for their specific needs. This reduces barriers and enables future beneficial application of the technology.
A core component of INQUBATOR involves evaluating new use-cases with potential advantages, initially focusing on four areas – medicine, cyber-security, insurance, and automotive. Following this, an open call will integrate at least eight additional use-cases from diverse sectors. This approach, coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF with support from the BMFTR (funding reference 13N17420), intends to build understanding and knowledge transfer between science and industry, ultimately strengthening Germany’s competitive edge.
The project focuses on testing innovative quantum computing approaches within an economic context, prioritizing promising algorithms on current quantum computers. Fraunhofer Institutes aim to remove significant hurdles presented by the cost of computing time and the radically different problem-solving approach of quantum computing. This targeted support empowers companies of all sizes to harness quantum computing, contributing to Germany’s technological leadership and expanding its knowledge and IP base.
Die Ergebnisse aus diesen Projekten werden nicht nur dazu beitragen, das Verständnis für Quantencomputing zu fördern, sondern auch den Wissenstransfer zwischen Wissenschaft und Industrie zu stärken
Dr. Walter Hahn
