Quantum computing: Achieving a breakthrough by pooling our expertise

"Quantum computing will revolutionize the way we solve complex problems, but only if hardware, software and application development go hand in hand. Our aim is to develop quantum computing in a technology and demand-driven way that creates real added value for companies and society alike," says Prof. Katharina Hölzle, director of the Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT) at the University of Stuttgart and of Fraunhofer IAO.

The flourishing research landscape in the field of quantum computing provides the ideal conditions for utilizing this new key technology for industrial applications in the near future. But how can progress in research and innovation be achieved even more efficiently? The quantum team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO is focusing on exploiting the potential of synergies: Together with the IAT at the University of Stuttgart and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, the team are pooling their research expertise in the new flaQship research lab.

The flaQship builds bridges between theory and practice with the help of internationally networked, outstanding research. With a particular focus on Stuttgart and Heilbronn, the lab brings applied research to companies along the entire value chain. It thus acts as a central contact point for business, research and politics. Dr. Christian Tutschku, head of the Quantum Computing team at Fraunhofer IAO, explains: "In a competitive world, it is important to embrace innovative forms of collaboration, build strong partnerships and create networked knowledge hubs for research topics. Together, we are far more than the sum of our parts."

The lab focuses on applied quantum computing research and thus the utilization of quantum computing for industry. The focus areas include quantum machine learning, material simulation and quantum chemistry, error correction and hybrid computations. The teams also conduct research in the areas of quantum service engineering, high-performance computing and quantum computing business models, and develop innovative formats for the related knowledge transfer. 

At the Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg (KQCBW), the two quantum computing teams have been developing applied quantum algorithms with a focus on hardware-efficient implementation since 2020. As part of a systematic project evaluation, the consortium presented its interim results in February 2025, which will be introduced to the general public at the international trade fair "Quantum Effects" in October. 

The ongoing collaboration between the institutes in the recently established Fraunhofer Research and Innovation Centers in Heilbronn (HNFIZ) focuses on applied quantum AI. “We look forward to working together to establish Stuttgart and Heilbronn as a center for applied quantum computing. By deepening our long-standing cooperation, we are opening up new opportunities in research and technology transfer,” says Dr. Marco Roth, head of the Quantum Computing team at Fraunhofer IPA. 

One of the first steps in the project involves the flaQship organizing the symposium “Machine Learning to Accelerate Quantum Technologies (ML4QT)” in cooperation with the University of Waterloo from July 7 to 8, 2025, at the experimenta in Heilbronn. The symposium will bring together international experts to explore how today's ML methods can advance quantum technology research in a multi-faceted way.

Further information on the lab's website: www.flaqship.eu