Quantum technology for research and development: Together with Munich Quantum Valley (MQV), the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) is procuring another quantum computer for its Quantum Integration Centre (QIC). The computer, which uses 20 qubits implemented in an ion trap, was developed by the Austrian-based start-up Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT). The new system will be made available to the seven member organizations of MQV, primarily for conducting research in system software. AQT’s new ion-trap system is funded by the Bavarian State Ministries for Science and the Arts (StMWK) and for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) with around 9.8 million euros as part of the Hightech Agenda Bavaria.
The new quantum computer offers MQV and the LRZ a wide range of possible application options and supports the development of new software. The objective is to implement new system software and programming environments and evaluate them with the help of practical applications in cooperation with partner companies from MQV’s network. In addition, the quantum computer will be integrated into the LRZ’s high-performance and supercomputers to accelerate them. Also, efficient workflows for supercomputing will be developed. Additional development projects are expected to result from the cooperation between AQT and MQV, for example in the areas of control electronics and laser technologies.