Fraunhofer IPMS is collaborating on the development of an integrated German quantum computer based on superconducting quantum chips. Together with 24 German research institutions and companies, under the coordination of Forschungszentrum (FZ) Jülich, Fraunhofer IPMS is working on this quantum computer with the goal of improving error rates.
At the halfway point of the project, the first demonstrator is now ready for operation. The CNT at Fraunhofer IPMS is contributing its expertise in state-of-the-art, industry-compatible CMOS semiconductor manufacturing.
Quantum computers are seen as a key solution to the growing demand for increased computing power and the handling of larger amounts of data. However, to make quantum processors both practical and scalable, several challenges remain to be addressed.
One of the biggest hurdles in quantum computing is the error-proneness of quantum bits, or qubits. The goal of the partners is to develop a system using various quantum processors based on next-generation superconducting circuits, with an emphasis on achieving very low error rates.
This would result in qubits of significantly higher quality. This world-leading approach is also being pursued by companies such as Google, IBM, and Intel.
A major milestone of the project is the upcoming launch of the QSolid half-time demonstrator prototype, which features 10 qubits, an integrated software stack, and cloud-based user access. This prototype, located at Forschungszentrum Jülich, will enable the testing of applications and benchmarks for industry standards. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), with total funding of €76.3 million.
Achievements in Semiconductor Manufacturing Applied to Quantum Processors
Fraunhofer IPMS is part of the work package "Technology for Hardware Integration." Together with GlobalFoundries and Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID, it is working on the co-integration of CMOS control logic with the quantum processing unit (QPU) to reduce the complexity of cabling and wiring in quantum computers.
These complex structures could reduce the conductivity of the processor, complicating efforts to maintain low temperatures—especially as the number of qubits increases in future processors. To address this, an interposer technology is being developed that focuses on high-density, superconducting connections and thermal decoupling through advanced packaging.
The challenge lies in ensuring that the CMOS chips remain functional under cryogenic conditions, as the processors must stay cool for the qubits to operate effectively.
The Center for Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT) is utilizing its expertise and infrastructure in state-of-the-art, industry-compatible CMOS semiconductor production at the 300 mm wafer standard. This involves manufacturing processes such as deposition, nanostructuring at wafer scale, and cryo-electric characterization.
"Together with our partners in Dresden, we have defined the design for joint CMOS and quantum chip integration, along with suitable materials for temperature management. Based on this, we produced a first-generation interposer, which was successfully tested under cryogenic conditions. This included demonstrating the superconducting properties of the materials used, such as indium-based bumps. Additionally, the cryogenic characterization tests of the CMOS chips, conducted by GlobalFoundries, were successful," said Marcus Wislicenus, head of Quantum Technologies at Fraunhofer IPMS.
A Shared Quantum Computing Infrastructure at FZ Jülich
The 10-qubit prototype is only an intermediate step toward greater scaling. By the project's conclusion in December 2026, the system is expected to be capable of controlling up to 30 qubits, with the best possible error correction.
"Over the last two and a half years, we have built up excellent capabilities and launched a system with promising performance. While we are still integrating and refining the final subsystems, we are already working to enhance the performance of the prototype, which is designed to handle complex computing tasks for applications in both industry and science," said project coordinator Professor Frank Wilhelm-Mauch.
To achieve the ambitious goal of creating an independent, German-manufactured quantum computer, QSolid unites 25 research institutions, companies, and start-ups from across Germany.
The project partners aim to pave the way for commercialization by developing a demonstrator that will be available to external users via the "Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing" (JUNIQ), tailored to meet individual needs.
Image: Cryogenic setup and control of a superconducting quantum computer at FZ Jülich. Credit: Forschungszentrum Jülich/Sascha Kreklau
Source: Printed Electronics Now
