Germany Quantum Computing
SUMMARY
Increasing demand for quantum computing technologies in Germany with extensive use cases in sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, logistics, manufacturing or aerospace.
Increasing demand for quantum computing technologies in Germany with extensive use cases in sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, logistics, manufacturing or aerospace.
INTRODUCTION
A significant shift in technological capacities is arising from the emerging fields of quantum computing and simulation, communication, sensing and metrology. There are extensive use cases in sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, logistics, manufacturing or aerospace. (European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, 2023).
The private engagement is being supported by pledges and significant funding, both on the federal German and European levels. Concepts have been outlined by the federal government on developing quantum technology and introducing it into the German market to ensure parity with similar efforts in other countries and to prevent dependence on components from overseas.
CURRENT MARKET TRENDS
In January 2022, one of the world’s most powerful quantum computers, a so-called “quantum annealer”, went into operation at the research center Jülich. It’s the first quantum computer in Europe (Bundesregierung, 2022).
Germany is well positioned in all fields of quantum technologies. In the area of basic technologies and basic components for quantum technologies, Germany already has a corporate landscape of start-ups and large companies. Also, the first quantum sensor technology, materials and communication products have reached market maturity.
In 2024, IBM opened the first quantum data center outside the United States in Ehningen, Stuttgart, Germany. The opening of the first and so far only IBM quantum data center outside the USA shows that local cooperation and the development of future technologies in Germany are successful.
Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the development of these key technologies benefits the public and private sector in Germany - with greater independence and good jobs - and the companies - thanks to Germany’s openness to the world and employees with cutting-edge technological expertise. It was therefore “no coincidence” that IBM had “chosen Germany and Ehningen”.
Quantum technology has particularly promising application prospects. The German government is supporting sectoral development and the establishment of new expertise with more than 2 billion USD investments, additionally, over 3 billion USD is expected to be invested in the promotion of quantum computers and their application by 2026 (Bundesregierung, 2024).
Moreover, significant European enterprises such as Crédit Mutuel, Bosch, E.ON, Volkswagen Group and Ikerbasque are partaking in IBM’s Quantum Network and plan to use the Center’s access systems (Federal Government 2023; Site Selection 2024).
GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND STRATEGIES
With the “Quantum Technologies Action Plan” adopted by the Federal Cabinet, the German government is setting itself a political framework for the years 2023 to 2026 in the field of quantum technologies. A total of approximately USD 3.2 billion is available for this purpose. The action plan includes the following priorities: the aim is to bring quantum technologies into use in industry, society and government institutions. The Federal Government wants to drive technology development forward in a targeted manner: Germany is to become a key player in the field of quantum computing. Development of a powerful universal quantum computer by 2026 is a high priority and aid in the catch-up with current market leaders USA, China and the United Kingdom. The Federal Government is creating a framework for a strong ecosystem and is prioritizing the strengthening of a start-up culture, networking science and industry and building-up a skilled workforce.
An estimated 2.3 billion USD has been earmarked for the further development of quantum technologies in the participating ministries during the term of the action plan until 2026. The measures will be supplemented by activities of the scientific organizations co-funded by the Federal Government. Together, they will provide a good 900 million USD for research in quantum technologies (Bundesregierung, 2023)
RESEARCH PROGRAMS, STRATEGIES OF THE DEPARTMENTS WITH RELATION TO THE ACTION PLAN AND INSTITUTIONALLY FUNDED FACILITIES
1. Quantum systems research program – “Developing cutting-edge technology. Shaping the future.”
This program sets the strategic framework for the research funding of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the future technologies of photonics and quantum technologies over the next ten years. The funding follows the mission of the research program, namely, to position Germany in the European network of quantum computing and quantum sensor technology and expand Germany’s competitiveness in quantum systems. The aim is also to secure technological sovereignty and to exploit the opportunities offered by quantum systems for a modern and sustainable economy and society (Bundesregierung, 2023).
2. High-performance and supercomputing for the digital age. Research and investment in high-performance computing.
With this program, the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) is promoting the expansion of the computing infrastructure in the exascale area and innovations in high-performance computing, promotes applications in industry and strengthens high-performance computing at universities. It is supported by research into the development of efficient and powerful hardware and software for future computer systems and applications which should allow swifter implementation of quantum computing into the existing high-performance computing ecosystem. Furthermore, centers for supercomputing, for example the sites of the locations of the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing, provide good conditions for the integration of quantum computers (Bundesregierung, 2023).
3. Quantum Computing Technology Program – Applications for the Economy and large-scale Project-PlanQK – Platform and Ecosystem for quantum-based Artificial Intelligence.
With this technology program, the BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) supports research, development and innovation projects that prove and demonstrate the technical feasibility and economic viability of quantum computing using the example of relevant, practical applications, particularly in small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The quantum computing applications addressed include material simulation for hydrogen research, machine learning for the evaluation of used vehicles and the optimization of processes in production and logistics. In addition, the funding measures are developing the basis for GDPR-compliant cloud solutions for quantum computing operated in Germany and Europe. The platform developed in the large-scale project PlanQK - Platform and Ecosystem for quantum-based artificial already offers users and developers of quantum computing software public access for the use and joint implementation of quantum computing solutions. In total, ten joint projects with a total of 67 partners from industry and science are being funded with around USD 52.4 million (Bundesregierung, 2023).
4. Q.E.D. Quantum Ecosystem Deutschland
The aim of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funding measure “Quantum Computer Demonstration Setups” is to contribute to the establishment of sovereign innovation and value chains in the quantum computing ecosystem in Germany. Thereby, a technologically sovereign and internationally competitive quantum computing ecosystem is to be developed in the medium to long term. In this context, a number of innovation and socio-economic challenges must be overcome.
The project “Quantum Ecosystem Deutschland (Q.E.D.)” analyzes these challenges and develops approaches for overcoming them. The project team supports research institutions, companies and politics in the development of strategies for the establishment of sovereign innovation and value creation networks (Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, 2023).
MEASURABLE GOALS THAT ARE TO BE REACHED BY 2026
The aim for Germany is to catch up technologically with the leading players in quantum computing outside the European Union (EU). This is primarily about competitiveness in a purely technical sense, such as the availability of quantum hardware, its performance and an estimate of the potential for scaling, error rates and error correction. In detail, the measurable technological goals for 2026 include:
• Availability of an internationally competitive quantum computer with at least 100 individually controllable qubits, scalable to 500 qubits.
• Development of high-performance special hardware for suitable quantum computing applications.
• In addition, the techno-economic development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for quantum computing in Germany should be among the top three within the EU and at least reach the level of important non-European industrialized countries such as the United States or Japan (Bundesregierung, 2023).
MAIN COMPETITORS
In an international comparison, Germany ranks fourth behind the United States, China and the United Kingdom (UK) in terms of corresponding publications of important scientific and technological work. However, in terms of scientific publications, the European Union is the leader regarding academic quality and breadth; Germany and has the most publications of any European country. Also, the number of EU startups has more than tripled since 2015.
Germany is in the top four for patent families, behind China, the United States and Japan. The focus of German patent families lies in the fields of quantum measurement technology and quantum electronics (Bundesregierung, 2023).
TRADE EVENTS
Event: Quantum Effects, October 7-8, 2025
Location: Messe Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
Website: www.messe-stuttgart.de/quantum-effects/en
Description: Trade fair and conference for application-oriented quantum technologies.
Event: World of Quantum, June 24-27, 2025
Location: Messe München, Munich, Germany
Website: www.messe-stuttgart.de/quantum-effects/en
Description: The international trade fair for quantum technology. Offers exactly the right format for the current development phase of this groundbreaking technology.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION CONTACT INFORMATION
For additional Information, please contact:
Name: Tobias Wester
Position: Senior Commercial Specialist
Email tobias.wester@trade.gov
Phone: +49 69 7535 3159
City: Frankfurt, Germany