Harnessing quantum computing for industry: The Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg (KQCBW) is continuing to pursue this goal in the current funding phase, five years after its founding in 2020. Building on a preparatory transfer project, expertise is being further expanded under the leadership of the Fraunhofer IAF and IAO institutes.
Over the past four years, the Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg (KQCBW) has been dedicated to identifying economically relevant applications of quantum computing. Significant progress has been made under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF.
Since its founding in 2020, the KQCBW has been researching both quantum computing hardware and software using an interdisciplinary and systemic approach. A key area of research is the development of algorithms, particularly for quantum chemistry and materials science. To achieve this, IBM's European quantum computers in Ehningen, Germany will be used. In addition, benchmarking of other hardware platforms, error mitigation, and quantum error correction are becoming the focus of research.
The “KQCBW Quantum Cloud” is being set up to give companies access to quantum computers as QC as a Service (QCaaS). This HPC cloud infrastructure includes an interactive demonstrator and learning platform and will also provide access to quantum hardware made in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, especially spin-based systems and Rydberg atoms. This forms a comprehensive quantum computer infrastructure that offers KQCBW partners ideal conditions for their research work.
Target group-specific knowledge transfer is a top priority at KQCBW. In addition to regular free training courses, the network partners will present their findings at this year’s Quantum Effects. The world’s leading exhibition and conference for application-oriented quantum technologies will take place on October 7 and 8, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany. The software and hardware demonstrators will be presented at the QuantumBW joint booth (Hall 2, Booth Number 2E17). In the Game Changer Area, companies can also participate in short presentations or matchmaking formats with relevant players.
Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Solid State Physics IAF and for Industrial Engineering IAO, further Fraunhofer Institutes and research partners from politics, science, and industry are pooling their expertise in the Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg (KQCBW) for the development and application of quantum computers for research, education, and industry. The focus is on the sectors that are particularly important in Baden-Württemberg: materials science, chemistry, finance, services, trade, mechanical engineering, production, and logistics.
Thirteen partners from university and research institutes as well as twelve associated corporate partners are involved: the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, for Industrial Engineering and Organization IAO, for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, for Materials Mechanics IWM, and for Chemical Technology ICT; the DLR Institutes of Technical Thermodynamics and Quantum Technologies; the University of Stuttgart, the University of Ulm, the University of Konstanz, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, the Research Center for Information Technology FZI, and the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University DHBW.
As part of the QuantumBW state initiative, the KQCBW is also actively involved in expanding Baden-Württemberg as a center for quantum technology and is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO