NXP, eleQtron and ParityQC Reveal Quantum Computing Demonstrator
May 30, 2024
News
According to a recent release, NXP Semiconductors has partnered with eleQtron and ParityQC, with the QSea consortium of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI), to create what is reportedly the first full-stack, ion-trap based quantum computer demonstrator made entirely in Germany. The new quantum computer demonstrator is in Hamburg.
“Hamburg is one of our most important R&D locations. We are proud that, together with DLR and our partners eleQtron and ParityQC, we are able to present the first ion-trap based quantum computer demonstrator developed entirely in Germany,” said Lars Reger, CTO at NXP Semiconductors. “We are convinced that industry and research communities in Hamburg and throughout Germany will benefit from this project. It will help to build up and expand important expertise in quantum computing, to use it for the economic benefit of us all, and also to further strengthen our digital sovereignty in Germany and the EU.”
The goal of this demonstrator is to enable early access to quantum computing resources and help companies and research teams leverage it for applications like climate modeling, global logistics and materials sciences, the companies said.
DLR QCI says it aims to build necessary skills by creating a quantum computing ecosystem in which economy, industry and science cooperate closely to fully leverage the potential of this technology. Quantum computers are expected to tackle complex problems across industries, and will likely dramatically change the cybersecurity landscape.
NXP, eleQtron and ParityQC have used their expertise to build this ion-trap based quantum computer demonstrator by combining eleQtron’s MAGIC hardware, ParityQC architecture, and NXP chip design and technology. To speed innovation and iteration, they have also developed a digital twin, which reportedly will be used to help this QSea I demonstrator to evolve to a quantum computer with a modular architecture, scalable design, and error correction capabilities. That evolution will be the goal of the ongoing work with the project.
The demonstrator is set up at the DLR QCI Innovation Center in Hamburg and will be made available to industry partners and DLR research teams, the release said. The three partners and the DLR QCI say they aim to foster and strengthen the development of an advanced quantum computing ecosystem in Germany.
“To achieve a leading international position in quantum computing, we need a strong quantum computing ecosystem. Only together will research, industry and start-ups overcome the major technological challenges and successfully bring quantum computers into application. The QSea I demonstrator is an important step for the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative and for Hamburg. It enables partners from industry and research to run quantum algorithms on real ion trap qubits in a real production environment for the first time. This hands-on experience will enable them to leverage the advantages of quantum computers and become part of a strong and sovereign quantum computing ecosystem in Germany and Europe,” said Dr.-Ing. Robert Axmann, Head of DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI).
Ken Briodagh is a writer and editor with two decades of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers, he would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars. In previous lives, he’s been a short order cook, telemarketer, medical supply technician, mover of the bodies at a funeral home, pirate, poet, partial alliterist, parent, partner and pretender to various thrones. Most of his exploits are either exaggerated or blatantly false.
