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QC Expertise and Initiatives at the Fraunhofer Institutes

Welcome to our website, which is dedicated to systematically presenting the quantum computing expertise of the Fraunhofer Institutes. The Fraunhofer Society is a leader in applied research and development and sets standards in quantum computing technology.

On this website, you will find comprehensive information about research projects, partnerships, and the latest developments in the field of quantum computing. Learn more about the Fraunhofer Institutes’ expertise, which ranges from research across the quantum computing stack to practical applications, and discover how the Fraunhofer Society is shaping the future of this technology.

The topics, projects, and initiatives listed here are continuously updated and expanded.

Thematic Competencies and Areas of Focus

Quantum Machine Learning

Quantum machine learning seeks to adapt established ML methods for use on quantum computers in such a way that their theoretical properties are preserved, but—in the best-case scenario—allow for quantum advantages, thereby enabling, for example, high-performance yet significantly more data-efficient learning methods. This is necessary in order to benefit from the theoretical results of the past decades.

 

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Quantum Optimization

Quantum optimization refers to the use of quantum computing to solve optimization problems. This technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways that conventional computers cannot. Optimization problems arise in many industrial applications, such as logistics, mobility, and manufacturing.

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Benchmarking

Benchmarking in the context of quantum computing refers to systematic procedures and methods for evaluating and comparing the performance of quantum computers and quantum algorithms, as well as their implementation. It is crucial for measuring progress in quantum computing technology and understanding how well various quantum hardware and software perform in terms of specific performance metrics.

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Softwaredevelopment - Middleware

Middleware encompasses a wide range of software and applications that provide essential functions for other applications. In the context of quantum computing, middleware is crucial for equipping high-performance hardware with the appropriate software, thereby enabling the efficient use of quantum computers.

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Softwaredevelopment - High-level programming language, programming framework

In the context of quantum computing, software development refers to the creation of programs and applications that can run on quantum computers. A high-level programming language and a programming framework are essential for abstracting the complexity of quantum mechanics and simplifying the programming process.

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Quantum Simulation

Quantum simulation, in the context of quantum computing, refers to the use of quantum computers to simulate complex quantum mechanical systems. Quantum simulation utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to study complex systems at the atomic and subatomic levels.

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Standardization

Standards and norms in the context of quantum computing are crucial for technological sovereignty and interoperability. They help achieve a high level of application security and acceptance by providing clear, internationally coordinated regulatory classifications and standardization. Standards and norms in quantum computing are therefore of central importance for promoting the development and implementation of quantum technologies.

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Post-Quantum Cryptography

Quantum computing has the potential to break many of today’s cryptographic methods, creating a need for post-quantum cryptocurrency (PQC). PQC encompasses cryptographic methods that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers and are thus intended to ensure security in a future era of quantum computing. These new cryptographic methods are crucial for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data even in a world with powerful quantum computers.

 

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Software Optimization

Software optimization in quantum computing involves the development and improvement of algorithms, compilers, and software stacks to make the most efficient use of the limited resources of today’s quantum computers. The goal is to optimize quantum programs so that they require fewer qubits, reduce errors, and shorten execution time. This will enable more powerful applications to be implemented even on current, still error-prone quantum processors, and will accelerate the realization of the practical benefits of quantum computing.

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Here you will find a selection of specific QC projects currently underway at the Fraunhofer Institutes within the Competence Network.

About the Projects

Application Scenarios & Use Cases

Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. It could be used to analyze complex systems in business and industry, unravel the complexity of molecular and chemical interactions, tackle intricate optimization problems, and enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The Fraunhofer Society has made it its mission to explore the diverse potential of quantum computing for economic and scientific applications. To be more specific, use cases include, for example, the optimization of supply chains, the development of new drugs, and the improvement of encryption techniques.

The individual Fraunhofer Institutes are experts with deep domain knowledge that can be leveraged to adapt industrial problems for quantum computers. Furthermore, their application expertise allows them to assess which simplifications are possible and where exact solutions are necessary.