Germany unveils latest quantum plan to develop 100 qubits by 2026
On June 21, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) released the "Quantum Systems Research Program" report [1].
The 56-page report details how the BMBF can create a common umbrella for successful research funding in photonics and quantum technologies over the next decade. As a leader in quantum systems research policy within the federal government, BMBF intends to strategically promote technology transfer and ecosystem expansion in this area over the long term.
Lead Germany to the top of European quantum computing and quantum sensor networks over the next decade and expand Germany's competitiveness in quantum systems. It also aims to ensure technological sovereignty and exploit the opportunities that quantum systems offer for modern and sustainable economies and societies.
Full report:
https://www.bmbf.de/SharedDocs/Publikationen/de/bmbf/5/31714_Forschungsprogramm_Quantensysteme.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5
The mission of the Quantum Systems Research Program is Quantum Systems, which aims to bring Germany to the top of the European quantum computing and quantum sensor group within the next decade and to increase Germany's competitiveness in quantum systems. Specific goals include:
1) Quantum computing
Develop internationally competitive quantum computers with at least 100 individually controllable qubits by 2026, scalable to 500 qubits.
Twice the number of German start-ups (to ≥ 20) by 2026; ≥ 60 end users in Germany, including business, academia and civil society.
Demonstrate quantum advantage in at least two practical applications in Germany by 2032.
To maintain world leadership in publications (top three) and catch up to top five in patents by 2032.
2) Quantum sensor technology
Five new products are on the market by 2026.
≥ 60 companies participating in the market by 2032, including 10 start-ups.
Remain the world leader in publications (top two) and catch up to the top five in patents by 2032.
3) Photonics
≥30 photonics companies working on quantum technologies by 2026.
A new, research-intensive dominant market developed for the German optoelectronics industry by 2032.
Milestones in the mission of the Quantum Systems Research Program.
In the Quantum Systems Research Initiative, more than 300 representatives from science and industry have compiled research needs in the field of quantum systems for 2030. The program focuses on the fields of study most relevant to Germany. These areas are characterized by: on the one hand, good prospects for the implementation of results by companies in Germany, thus making an important contribution to value creation and prosperity; on the other hand, an important contribution to social and economic challenges. To give a clear goal orientation to the quantum systems research program and its funding policy, the following tasks were identified:
Ensuring Technological Sovereignty of Quantum Systems
Making the most of the opportunities that technological change brings to the economy and society
Quantitative Systems for Economic and Social Sustainability
Deriving from the mission and objectives three areas of action, Germany identified the most strategic challenge areas for the development of quantum systems in the coming years:
1) Pushing technological boundaries: research and development of quantum systems. To exploit the economic and social possibilities of quantum systems, many scientific and technological barriers must be overcome: both to master important fundamental technologies and to create new methods for the economic realization of practical quantum systems.
2) Putting quantum systems to work: advancing economic and social solutions. Quantum systems offer entirely new opportunities to address economic and social challenges ranging from technologies in the networked world to digital photonics for future production or disease detection and treatment, as well as solutions for sustainable resource use and climate protection.
3) Shaping the ecosystem: creating new innovation chains and attracting the best talent. Quantum systems need to encompass innovation and a technology landscape at all stages of the value chain in order to be successful. These must build on Germany's particular strengths, gaps in the innovation chain must be bridged, collaborations along this chain must be initiated, the best minds in various disciplines must be attracted to quantum systems, the next generation of skilled workers must be guaranteed on a broad basis .
Within the areas of action of the Quantum Systems Initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is guided by the above-mentioned strategic objectives when designing specific funding measures [2]. The guiding principle of project funding is to pave the way for the rapid application of innovations in research, with close exchanges between science and industry at the core, and research collaborations between providers and users. In this way, research policy can create the foundations for a broad innovation ecosystem supported by science, industry and society.
[1] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/suche/forschungsprogramm-quantensysteme-2054702
