Behind in quantum compute race, Germany gets boost from IBM
IBM has unveiled one of Europe’s most powerful quantum computers in Germany, boosting the country’s efforts to stay in the race for what’s considered a key technology of the future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IBM on Tuesday unveiled one of Europe s most powerful quantum computers in Germany, boosting the country's efforts to stay in the race for what's considered a key technology of the future.
Quantum computers use subatomic particles to get around the limitations of traditional physics and perform calculations at far higher speeds than even the fastest existing supercomputers. While this was long seen as the preserve of arcane research, companies are increasingly hoping to harness quantum computers to develop new materials, drugs or artificial intelligence applications.
The new IBM system is the company's first quantum computer outside of the United States where it already has more than 30 such computers. It is located at a facility in Ehningen operated by Germany’s Fraunhofer Society research organization.
Speaking by video link at the official launch, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said quantum computing would play a key role in the country's efforts to retain “technological and digital sovereignty” while also providing a motor for economic growth.
“Of course, we're not alone in the world with such ideas,” she said. “ The United States and China in particular are investing large sums.”
Merkel said her government had recently decided to increase its funding for quantum computing research by 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) over the coming five years.
“The rest of the world isn't sleeping in this field,” said the 66-year-old, who was a quantum chemist in East Germany before entering politics.
IBM said the system in Ehningen can handle 27 quantum bits, or qubits, simultaneously. But Martin Jetter, the company's chairman for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said IBM aims to have a stable quantum computer capable of handling more than 1,000 qubits by 2023.