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Quantum computers of the future: revolutionary developments in sight!
On June 24th, 2025, the University of Ilmenau is hosting a workshop on superconducting sensors and quantum computing for sustainable technologies.
Quantum computers of the future: revolutionary developments in sight!
On June 24, 2025, an important workshop took place at the Technical University of Ilmenau that dealt with the topic of superconducting microelectronics. The workshop, led by Prof. Hannes Töpfer, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, discussed superconducting sensors, circuits, design approaches as well as the challenges and requirements for digital quantum computing and neuromorphic circuits. His goal was to combine international research efforts and create an ecosystem from basic research to chip manufacturing.
This event highlighted the immense importance of superconducting technologies for future energy efficiency and computing power. Top experts, including Nobuyuki Yoshikawa from Yokohama National University, Scott Holmes, who is involved in the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS), and Jie Ren from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, discussed the relevance of these technologies for sustainable information technologies. The workshop opened with a talk by Oleg Mukhanov, a pioneer of superconducting circuits who provided the first experimental evidence of superconducting digital circuits in 1987.
Focus on quantum computing
A central topic of the workshop was the development of quantum computers based on superconductors. This area is becoming increasingly important, mainly due to the project OpenSuperQplus100 is clarified. This is an initiative to develop systems and technologies for quantum computers based on superconducting elements. The project is part of the EU's strategic research agenda for quantum technology and aims to provide integrated demonstrators for research and application purposes.
An important aspect of this project is the production of at least 100 high-quality qubits in one of the demonstrators. This includes the development of a design and manufacturing platform for high-quality quantum chips and their integration into multi-chip modules. The contribution of Fraunhofer EMFT is crucial, especially through new processes for producing qubit chips. The aim is to produce chips on an industrial scale and to define the manufacturing processes for 200 mm wafers in clean room facilities.
The role of quantum software
Another important aspect is research in the field of quantum software. Jeanette Lorenz and her team are working on adapting algorithms to the hardware flaws of qubits. The QUAST project aims to make quantum computing accessible to businesses and focus on industrial optimization problems. A key challenge for Lorenz and her colleagues is to select the right algorithm for the respective hardware and at the same time make industrial problems implementable in quantum computers.
The software stack they developed enables a layered structure of all components for the development and operation of quantum computers. Different hardware has specific advantages and disadvantages for different applications. Ion traps are slower, but offer higher accuracy and are particularly suitable for molecular simulations.
In summary, technologies based on superconducting microelectronics and quantum computing hold enormous potential for the future. Developments in both areas could enable significant advances in energy efficiency and computing power in both research and industry.