Location Germany: Industry demands more quantum technology

“Industrial companies all over the world have great hopes for quantum computers. The particularly powerful computers make it possible, for example, for autonomous cars to precisely analyze data from their environment and to steer the vehicle accordingly. Biotech companies also use the technology to carry out complex simulations for new drugs. 

 

In the summer, the first quantum computer in Germany went into operation near Stuttgart, a model from IBM. From the point of view of the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI), however, that is not enough. BDI calls on the new federal government to sharpen the funding programs in order to improve Germany's position in international competition.

"There is still a chance of a leading position in the field of quantum technologies," says Iris Plöger, member of the BDI management board. 

 

In a position paper on the subject, the association calculates that China subsidizes this technology with around 2.5 billion dollars annually. The country is thus “by a clear distance at the top” internationally. 

 

It is a good thing that the traffic light coalition wants to invest more in quantum technologies, said Plöger. “Now it is important to back up the announcements quickly with concrete measures.” From the point of view of the companies, unbureaucratic funding instruments that are easily accessible for companies of all sizes are required. "The rapid transfer of research results into industrial application practice is crucial for the economy."

 

Last year, the Germany's grand coalition provided 2 billion euros for investments in quantum computing as part of the economic stimulus program. The money is to be used to support the construction of two new quantum computers, as well as the development of the corresponding software. 

 

In the coalition agreement between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP there is a commitment that future technologies such as quantum computers, but also artificial intelligence and robotics, should be expanded.

 

So far there is nothing more concrete.

Business associations often use the turn of the year to make demands on the government. This is especially true in a year like this, when a new government has just been formed. In terms of content, the subject of quantum technology is located in both the economics and research ministries. Franziska Brantner, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, indicated a further focus in this area. “We're going to the #SovereignTechFund!” She wrote on the short message service Twitter. This involves so-called open source projects such as software whose source code is freely accessible so that developers can adapt them to their needs. Open source solutions are the basis for the digital sovereignty and innovative strength of the German economy, wrote Brantner. "