Quantum computing is moving forward in Europe: the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) has just signed agreements with six High-Performance Computing (HPC) centres to each host and operate a quantum computer at their sites. One of them: LRZ, one of the three national supercomputing centers of the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS). Integrating these quantum accelerators with existing supercomputers, six HPC-QC hybrid systems are planned in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic with funding from the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and the participating states. "The selection of institutes ensures a diversity of quantum technologies and architectures," EuroHPC Joint Undertaking describes the strategy in a press release. "They build complementary systems to create synergies." Common development of key components such as the programming interfaces, monitoring software and user management tools will help unify a European quantum computing network for use by academia, industry and the public sector.
LRZ’s quantum programme plans systems based on superconducting qubits in two major steps: In order to offer researchers across Europe access to the technology for their science as quickly as possible, the Q-Exa demonstrator financed by Germany will first be integrated into LRZ's supercomputers and made available to science in Europe in 2024. Building on that foundation, the Euro-Q-Exa systems will upgrade the superconducting quantum processors in two phases to expand performance up to 100 qubits. In addition to EuroHPC JU, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts are funding the European quantum computer at LRZ; it is being developed, optimised and supplemented with software as a contribution from the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) in collaboration with other research partners.
The 5 other hosting sites are:
- Czech Republic: Lumi-Q
- France: EuroQCS-France
- Italy: EuroQCS-Italy
- Poland: EuroQCS-Poland
- Spain: EuroQCS-Spain
For details on the other hosting sites and their initiatives, please see the official press release by EuroHPC-JU.
On the signing
The ink is dry. We’ve reached another milestone on the path to providing users with access to European quantum computers. Adding promising capabilities to Europe’s leading supercomputing portfolio, this initiative showcases a truly European approach by demonstrating the power possible when all parties involved act in concert.
Prof. Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the LRZ
European quantum computing leaps forward! We’re eager to work with the EuroHPC JU to deliver a quantum system at LRZ and to couple its unique computational abilities to our robust HPC systems. Contributing our expertise and know-how while learning and exchanging best practices with our fellow hosting sites, we’re excited to make this technology available to European science, industry and public service.
Laura Schulz, Department Head Quantum Computing and Technologies at the LRZ
Read on:
• Quantum Computer to Come to Bavaria
• Quantum Computing: From Music of the Future to Everday Rhythm
