Germany’s Cyber Agency (Cyberagentur) has recently awarded contracts to four quantum computing startups — Quantum Brilliance, ParityQC, Oxford Ionics, and neQxt — in its most expensive project to date. The goal is to deliver the world’s first quantum computer for “mobile security and defence” by 2027, with only one candidate remaining after phase four of the project kicks in.
A portable quantum computer will be able to function independently of a network connection or a large data centre, making it crucial in crisis situations. Mark Mattingley-Scott from Quantum Brilliance emphasized the importance of determining the desired form factor for the device.
Quantum Brilliance, known for making quantum accelerators and miniaturized processors out of diamond, uses nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds to act as qubits. This allows the processor’s qubits to maintain their quantum states at room temperature.
Oxford Ionics, another startup in the project, focuses on trapped-ion qubits and boasts world-leading quantum performance on standard chips produced in today’s semiconductor fabs. Their portable quantum computer, MinIon, is set to have 32 high-fidelity qubits in its first generation.
The third contract went to neQxt, a full-stack quantum computing company aiming to integrate its trapped-ion technology into a compact, modular, scalable, and mobile system named maQue. The overall aim of the project is to strengthen Germany’s digital sovereignty and position the country at the forefront of mobile quantum computing technology.
With Germany already having a strong position in quantum computing, the country is poised to lead the way in the quantum technology research field. As the world enters the quantum era, the race for quantum supremacy may just be pocket-sized and Germany seems ready to lead the charge.