Germany is taking a major step towards industrial quantum innovation with the launch of INQUBATOR, the Fraunhofer Industrial Quantum Computing Testing and Consulting Center.
The four-year initiative aims to prepare German companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), for the transformative potential of quantum computing, helping them harness the power of quantum computing without the high costs and technical barriers typically associated with quantum computing.
Making quantum computing accessible
The basis of the INQUBATOR project is to provide easy and cost-effective access to quantum computers from multiple manufacturers.
Companies can explore solutions tailored to their processes and experiment with quantum algorithms without investing in expensive hardware.
Through workshops, training sessions, and hands-on collaboration, industry partners gain practical insight into the technology while actively developing their own use cases and understanding the business value of the technology.
By leveraging Fraunhofer Institute’s high performance computing (HPC) and quantum infrastructure, participating companies can test ideas and rapidly translate research results into real-world applications.
The flexible framework ensures that industry needs are at the heart of the project, allowing for immediate experimentation and iteration.
Bridging the gap for small businesses
INQUBATOR specifically targets companies that have not yet integrated into the quantum ecosystem and focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises that may face challenges in implementing such advanced technologies.
By participating in joint research and development, these companies can overcome barriers and approach quantum computing in a practical and application-oriented way.
The effort is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
The project is a collaboration between Fraunhofer IAF, IAO, ITWM and IPA, bringing together expertise in quantum hardware and software to guide companies from early exploration to applied solutions.
Early use cases as a blueprint for the industry
INQUBATOR begins with four carefully selected pilot use cases in the healthcare, cybersecurity, insurance, and automotive sectors.
These projects serve as a blueprint for other companies, demonstrating how quantum computing can generate measurable benefits in key economic sectors.
Following these pilot projects, the initiative will begin soliciting additional proposals to further integrate at least eight use cases from various industries.
Each use case has a dedicated commercialization plan, allowing companies to contribute to their unique challenges and collaborate on finding solutions.
This approach emphasizes innovation and focuses on algorithms that have strong potential to solve real-world business problems.
Driving innovation and competitiveness
INQUBATOR helps companies navigate the complexities of quantum computing by providing independent assessments and technical support.
This project removes traditional obstacles such as the high cost of computational time and the unfamiliarity of quantum algorithms compared to classical approaches, making this technology accessible and practical for a wide range of businesses.
INQUBATOR goes beyond the interests of individual companies and strengthens the quantum knowledge and intellectual property base across Germany. Expanding expertise in this emerging field is essential to maintaining the country’s technological leadership and opening new markets.
By integrating quantum solutions into industrial workflows, the project positions German industry to remain competitive on the international stage.
A step towards the quantum revolution
The launch of INQUBATOR marks a strategic move for Germany to prepare for the upcoming quantum revolution.
By combining research excellence with practical industry initiatives, this project fosters the development of innovative solutions that can reshape sectors from healthcare to automotive technology.
INQUBATOR offers companies ready to consider quantum computing an unprecedented opportunity to experiment with technology, validate algorithms, and apply them to pressing business challenges.
Over a four-year period, the initiative is expected to foster a thriving ecosystem of quantum-savvy industrial players, ensure long-term competitiveness and advance Germany’s position at the forefront of this transformational field.
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