Short answer
Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space has selected a consortium led by QUDORA to develop a large-scale quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. The project is part of Europe's goal of independence on the road to fault-tolerant quantum computing, and it also shows that the technology is still at the research stage.
Highlights
- The total project volume is around €122 million, shared among seven partners.
- Target: at least 1,000 physical and at least 50 logical qubits.
- Germany aims to build at least 2 fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2030.
2 min read
Germany has taken a new step in the quantum computing race. According to an announcement published by The Quantum Insider, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has selected the NFQC-1k project of a seven-member consortium led by QUDORA. The total project volume is around €122 million.
What does the project aim to achieve?
NFQC-1k aims to build a quantum computer demonstration system based on trapped-ion technology, with at least 1,000 individually addressable physical qubits and at least 50 logical qubits. The target is a logical gate error rate below 0.01 per cent. The system's performance will be verified with the Quantum Fourier Transform, one of the basic building blocks of quantum algorithms. In parallel, a pilot production line for high-performance quantum processors will also be set up.
Why does it matter?
The project falls under Germany's High-Tech Agenda. The government aims to build at least 2 fault-tolerant quantum computers at the leading edge in Europe by 2030, and is backing three hardware routes together: neutral atoms, superconducting circuits and trapped ions. Funding will run for up to five years.
Fault tolerance is not a milestone reached by improving a single qubit. The real task is to build an architecture in which thousands of robust qubits can be controlled and operate reliably without falling apart as the system scales. — Amado Bautista-Salvador, CEO of QUDORA
What does it mean for business?
Quantum computers are not yet ready for everyday business workloads; projects like this show that the technology is still at the state-funded research stage. However, it may make sense for companies in fields such as drug development, logistics optimisation and materials science to follow developments and make room for the topic in their long-term technology plans.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between a physical and a logical qubit?
- A physical qubit is a single unit in the hardware and is prone to errors. A logical qubit is a more reliable unit formed by many physical qubits working together with error correction.
- When will this computer be usable?
- Funding will run for up to five years, and the consortium will first submit its full application. The long-term goal is a system that can be used economically in Germany and Europe.
Sources
Follow UNIT Journal
What's new in search, AI and technology, in your feed every day.
