Series 16 – Episode 1 – Building Germany's first quantum computer demonstrator

NXP has joined forces with eleQtron and ParityQC to create the first quantum computer demonstrator entirely developed in Germany. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the expertise of each partner to advance quantum computing technology within the country.

At the heart of the partnership, eleQtron leads the effort with its experience in developing quantum computers based on ion trap technology. Wiebus explained: "eleQtron is the one having the knowledge to really get this ion trap-based quantum computer set up and operational."

Meanwhile, ParityQC is responsible for the software that bridges the gap between classical computing and quantum computing, transforming problems into formats that quantum systems can process. NXP’s contribution focuses on its classical technology expertise. Wiebus noted that NXP brings in its well-established CMOS technology: "How can we help to really get those quantum computers to the next level? That's basically the role distribution in this consortium."

Despite the promise of quantum computing, the technology remains in a research phase, with significant hurdles ahead. Many companies working on quantum systems are university spin-offs, like eleQtron. The challenge lies not only in developing functional quantum computers but also in operating and scaling them reliably.

The demonstrator that NXP, eleQtron, and ParityQC are working on is part of a larger initiative funded by Germany’s Aerospace Centre (DLR), supported by the Ministry of Economics. This project aims to establish a quantum computing ecosystem built entirely with German technologies and partners. Wiebus shared the core vision: "One of the key ideas is really to build an ecosystem of industry partners and startup partners that together are able to create these kinds of quantum computers and then, of course, develop it to the next stage."

The demonstrator represents a vital first step in this journey. The initial model will trap and manipulate 10 qubits, but the goal is to scale this to 50 or more qubits in future iterations. Wiebus outlined the roadmap: "This first demonstrator shows how ion trap computers work and how we can trap 10 qubits. The entire idea is, of course, to scale that up, going up to 50 or even more."

Quantum computing’s most immediate applications, according to Wiebus, will be in sectors such as logistics and pharmaceuticals. Optimisation problems, such as improving supply chain efficiency or accelerating drug development, are particularly suited to quantum technology.

"For example, here in Hamburg, there's a high interest in the logistics industry to optimise the routing of containers, which could reduce costs, save energy, and decrease CO2 emissions," he explained. The pharmaceutical sector could also benefit from faster drug design and development, making quantum computing a valuable tool in creating vaccines and other medical solutions.

NXP's role is crucial in helping scale these systems by integrating its CMOS technology to make quantum computers more compact and scalable. Wiebus explained that current quantum setups rely on complex lab environments, but NXP is working to bring these into more practical applications: "We are bringing our CMOS technology in order to really have a smaller setup for the computer, making it more scalable."

As the project progresses, the team expects to complete the 10-qubit demonstrator by late autumn, before moving on to the next phase of development, which involves integrating new chip designs into a 50-qubit system.

To hear more about quantum computing and much more, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview with Christian Wiebus on Spotify or Apple podcasts.