Research and science, as well as research-oriented applications in Europe shall be able to compute with quantum computers as quickly and conveniently as possible: To achieve this goal, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) procures quantum systems at various locations throughout the Union and integrates them into existing high-performance computers. The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) will host one of these systems, featuring quantum processors based on superconducting qubits. EuroHPC JU has just now launched the tender for "Euro-Q-Exa", a process the LRZ is supporting with its experience. Around 43 million euros have been budgeted for the project. In addition to EuroHPC-JU, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts (StMWK) are contributing to the costs of the European quantum computer.
Vast practical experience at LRZ guarantees fast access for European users
The LRZ has been researching the integration of quantum computers into supercomputers for several years, initially concentrating on superconducting systems and building a first BMBF-funded quantum computer for research purposes. The second system of this type, also funded by BMBF and known as Q-Exa – Germany’s first quantum demonstrator– is undergoing final installation within LRZ’s compute centre. The team at the LRZ and its associated partners have also been working on a technology-agnostic system software stack and accompanying toolkit.
EuroHPC JU builds on this experience. In order to give researchers and pilot applications from Germany and Europe access to this future technology the LRZ plans to offer Q-Exa at the service of European research in an early access phase in 2024. The system Euro-Q-Exa will be in two stages, an initial with at least 50 qubits and an upgrade to at least 100 qubits. The tender for Euro-Q-Exa is now starting under the leadership of EuroHPC-JU.
European diversity is the key
EuroHPC-JU is currently issuing further calls for proposals for the construction of hybrid quantum HPC systems in Europe. In Poland, for example, a computer with a QPU based on trapped ions will be built, offering the computing power of at least 20 qubits. Other locations for hybrid supercomputer-quantum systems are France, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic. The standardization of key components such as programming interfaces, monitoring solutions or tools for order and user management is also intended to create a European quantum computing network that can be used by science, industry and the public sector.
On the tender conditions
The application process starts immediately. The closing date for submission of an application to tender is the 22nd January 2024 at 16:00.
More information can be found here on the website of EuroHPC JU as well as the website for the tender.
Quotes:
"Quantum computers are developing rapidly, and after DAQC and Q-Exa, we are looking forward to the next generation Euro-Q-Exa. Our goal remains the same: by integrating quantum computers with supercomputers, we want to provide users with the best of both worlds for their research,” states Prof. Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of LRZ
Background
EuroHPC-JU is a legal and financial entity that was founded in 2018. It signed agreements with six supercomputing centres in Europe in June 2023 to host and operate hybrid EuroHPC-JU quantum computers. The aim is to build various platforms for quantum computing and hybrid quantum architectures and make them available to cloud-based users from all over Europe as soon as possible. The planned integration of quantum systems into classic HPC structures also requires research and development work on a hybrid software stack that manages both HPC and quantum computing (QC) workloads. During the integration work, all sites will work closely with European standardization bodies.
