City of Ehingen unveils Europe’s most powerful quantum computer

With 27 qubits, Germany drives forward onto the next potential industrial revolution

On 15 June, IBM and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presented Europe’s most powerful quantum computer, located in Ehningen, Baden-Württemberg, which at 27 qubits of operating power brings us one step closer to the next potential industrial revolution.

Both Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann praised the event, with the latter saying in a press release that whoever mastered quantum technologies would hold the key to the future and to technological sovereignty.

The computer can be used for further research through Fraunhofer

Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft said that this is a great opportunity for start-ups, large corporations and SMEs alike to develop skills and test out the vast possibilities of the device, utilizing its potential.

But what does a quantum computer actually do? Essentially, instead of storing information in the form of bits that can have two possible states – one and zero, it stores information in the form of qubits. A qubit can have both states at the same time.

In terms of processing power this means that what a normal computer can do in 10,000 years, a quantum computer can do in 200 seconds.

The project has major support from Germany and Baden-Württemberg

The state of Baden-Württemberg will provide up to 40 million euros by the end of 2024 in the form of collaborative projects and investments. This is in alignment with the state of Baden-Württemberg’s goal to bring it to the forefront of quantum computing technologies.

In fact, Germany has already invested two billion euros in the development of quantum computing technology. The goal is to soon build quantum computers without help from the US.

So far, there has not been a quantum computer built in Germany without help from abroad, but this may soon change.