The interdisciplinary consortium is first creating a robust reference architecture. This accounts for all layers relevant to a quantum computing software stack and the interfaces between them, establishing a higher-level integration framework that enables modular expansion with specific software components. Any different instantiations can then be derived based on this reference architecture. This will make it possible to address the broad landscape of quantum computing in Germany and provide better additive coverage than would be possible with disparate coexisting but non-binding solutions.
The quantum community will play an active role in development
The project is pursuing an open-source reference architecture strategy that creates transparency and enables the community to actively contribute to further development of the stack with its own components. This establishes access to the stack by a broad user base for an expanding ecosystem. This approach to developing a comprehensive reference architecture provides a strong impetus for the implementation, open-source provision and commercialization of quantum computing concepts and applications in Germany. It thus contributes to a long-term improvement in the competitiveness of German industry while minimizing unwanted dependencies in quantum computing software. This should also reduce dependencies on the hardware side.
Satellite projects supplement reference architecture
In addition to the reference architecture developed in the flagship project, companies will have the opportunity to contribute further software modules and specific industrial applications in funded satellite projects. The objective is to systematically develop quantum computing solutions and to integrate these into existing processes, facilitating access to new value creation potential for companies.
The funded satellite projects are intended to collaborate closely with the simultaneous flagship project. At the start of the project, the flagship project will provide a first version of the reference architecture with an initial description of the interfaces. Further development will be in an agile process with the participation of the satellite projects.
All of the projects will be driven by economic interests, focusing primarily on future business and use cases.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO