In a significant milestone, researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich have successfully operated the first quantum computer prototype with optimized qubit quality in Germany. Led by project coordinator Prof. Dr Frank Wilhelm-Mauch, the 160-strong consortium has developed a compact yet powerful system that is now ready to enter the next phase of development.
The QSolid collaborative project aims to create a future quantum computer using superconducting qubits capable of performing complex calculations for industry and research. With 90% funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this project is part of Germany’s strategy to secure technological sovereignty in quantum research, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and enable new applications in science and industry. The current 10-qubit prototype will be expanded to 30 qubits over the next few years, integrating it into the existing Jülich supercomputing environment.
Quantum Computing Milestone: QSolid Prototype Achieves Optimized Qubit Quality
The QSolid collaborative project, led by Forschungszentrum Jülich and its partners, has successfully operated the first quantum computer prototype with optimized qubit quality. This milestone marks a significant step towards developing a future quantum computer in Germany using superconducting qubits, capable of performing complex calculations for industry and research.
The QSolid prototype is the culmination of two and a half years of project work by a 160-strong consortium led by Prof. Dr Frank Wilhelm-Mauch from Forschungszentrum Jülich. The system has been designed to be compact yet powerful, with a current capacity of 10 qubits. Over the next few years, the team plans to expand and integrate the system into the existing Jülich supercomputing environment, increasing its performance to 30 qubits.
German Research Strategy: Securing Technological Sovereignty in Quantum Research
The QSolid project is part of the German strategy to secure technological sovereignty in quantum research. The aim is to strengthen Germany’s industrial competitiveness and enable new applications in science and industry, such as chemistry, materials science, and medical technology. The project has received 90% funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), with a total allocation of 76.3 million euros.
The QSolid consortium comprises 25 institutions from Germany, working together to develop a quantum computer that can perform complex calculations for various industries. By securing technological sovereignty in quantum research, Germany aims to maintain its competitiveness in the global market and drive innovation in various fields.
Quantum Processor: The Centrepiece of the QSolid Prototype
The centrepiece of the QSolid prototype is the quantum processor, which has already demonstrated high performance. The processor is cooled using a cryostat, and the system has a low error rate. A customized software stack has been developed to support the processor, and initial functional tests have been successful. The software stack will be connected to the quantum processor in the coming weeks, enabling cloud access via the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing (JUNIQ).
Major subsystems for cabling, electronics, and software have been developed and installed on the central system. Additionally, new test capabilities for developing the next generation of cryogenic qubit control have been established, which will make qubit operation easier and more energy-efficient in the future.
Future Development: Integrating Quantum Computers into Supercomputing Environment
As the project continues until the end of 2026, the team will develop and optimize several types of processors based on the results now presented. The prototype of the QSolid demonstrator is expected to multiply its performance in the future. A central goal of the QSolid project is to integrate quantum computers into the existing supercomputing environment at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre.
The combination of quantum computers and supercomputers should make it possible to perform particularly complex calculations faster and more efficiently. “First steps towards a hybrid system that combines quantum and supercomputing have already been taken. Integration into Jülich’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure is already possible to some extent,” explains Prof. Wilhelm-Mauch.
The successful operation of the QSolid prototype marks an important milestone in Germany’s quest for technological sovereignty in quantum research. As the project continues to develop and optimize its quantum computer, it is expected to have a significant impact on various industries and scientific applications, driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market.
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