Europe's quantum technology: JGU takes off with CHAMP-ION!

Europe's quantum technology: JGU takes off with CHAMP-ION!

On May 22, 2025, the European initiative CHAMP-ION (Championing a European advanced manufacturing pilot line of ion-traps) was launched. The aim of this initiative, launched for the first time in Europe, is to build a sustainable and scalable network for ion trap chips within the European Union. Strong collaboration is sought with 21 partners from six European countries, including the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU).

In cooperation with German institutions, including the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University of Hannover, the University of Siegen and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Braunschweig, JGU aims to develop complex ion traps for quantum processors. The initiative outlines a comprehensive value chain concept that includes design, chip packaging and manufacturing services. Ultimately, the aim is to create a fully integrated, validated and scalable ion trap technology with integrated electronics and photonic structures.

Europe's advances in quantum technology

CHAMP-ION is part of a broader European effort to strengthen its leadership in quantum technology and promote economic resilience. This technology is increasingly perceived as the key to technological sovereignty. Current advances in quantum technology, which have gained momentum since 2018, are essential for industrial mass production and the development of innovative quantum applications.

Quantum computers could theoretically perform calculations that traditional machines cannot handle. Quantum cryptography, which was developed in the 1980s and was already put into practice in the early 2000s, offers unbreakable data encryption and therefore represents a significant advance in security. However, the practical challenges, particularly in the installation and networking of quantum cryptographic systems, remain in focus.

Collaboration and funding

The CHAMP-ION initiative brings together a consortium of research and technology organizations, universities, small and medium-sized companies and large companies. The project is coordinated by Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL), and the German partners are co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Among the initiators are five Austrian organizations that, together with SAL, are at the forefront of this initiative.

At the same time, Europe is also active in other areas of quantum technology. For example, the first quantum cryptographically secured connection between two federal agencies was recently demonstrated, a step that promotes larger research projects to ensure Europe's technological independence. The initiatives of the Joint Undertaking for European High Performance Computing (GU EuroHPC) also underline the efforts to create a high-performance quantum information and computing infrastructure that should be ready for use by 2025.

Demand for technical independence

The European landscape of quantum technology is characterized by a race between international players, with US companies such as Google and IBM in particular being leaders in the field of quantum computers. Europe is working on developing its own quantum hardware to avoid technical dependencies. The funding focuses on quantum computers, quantum communication and quantum sensors.

Overall, it can be said that the CHAMP-ION initiative and the associated research projects represent important steps towards strengthening the European position in the field of quantum technology. While challenges remain, current developments open new horizons for innovation and advances in science.

Further details about the CHAMP-ION initiative can be found at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Provides information about the status of quantum technology in Europe Heise, while that EU Digital Strategy provides further insights into the EU's progress in this area.