Quantum computers promise unprecedented computing power and therefore solutions to problems that conventional computers currently fail to solve. Until now, the first existing prototypes are mainly capable of solving academic issues without practical applications. The QuBRA project led by Leibniz University Hannover now intends to demonstrate how the promise of future quantum computers can be kept. In cooperation with partners from research and the industry, the team aims to develop specific examples of application. The project is in receipt of funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research amounting to 3 million euros.
For example, quantum algorithms can be used for optimising production processes. In the context of the highly complex production of microchips or modern vehicles, even small improvements have a significant impact on the overall economic situation. However, it is quite difficult to determine when a quantum computer is superior to conventional computers in solving optimisation issues. The decision depends on the details of the problem, the abilities of the quantum computing hardware as well as on the performance of competing conventional approaches.
QuBRA project coordinator Professor Tobias Osborne from the Institute of Theoretical Physics at Leibniz University Hannover explains: "Currently, there is very little research on this problem. However, it is of great importance for industrial applications. In order to solve this, close collaboration between basic research and practice is required." For this purpose, QuBRA brings together a comprehensive consortium consisting of scientific experts from the fields of quantum information, classic deterministic algorithms, machine learning and software engineering, as well as industry users. This way, the project aims to solve optimisation problems from practical contexts of the industry partners Infineon and Volkswagen.
QuBRA is the third large-scale project on quantum computers within a short space of time led by Leibniz University Hannover. The alliance Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS), which is in receipt of funding amounting to 25 million euros, was launched in 2021. LUH plays a significant role in the project, which aims to build the first 50-qubit quantum computer in Lower Saxony until 2025. A month ago, the 44 million euro project ATIQ focusing on the implementation of quantum algorithms from finance and chemistry on a quantum demonstrator in cooperation with future users was approved within the scope of the BMBF funding initiative "Quantencomputer-Demonstrationsaufbauten". Through these projects, Leibniz University Hannover establishes itself as one of the leading quantum computing research institutions.
The QuBRA project (Quantum Methods and Benchmarks for Resource Allocation) is a collaborative project of Leibniz University Hannover, TU Braunschweig, University of Cologne, Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the industry partners Infineon Technologies AG and Volkswagen AG. The project is in receipt of funding amounting to 3 million euros provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the context of an initiative focusing on application networks for quantum computing. With funds of the industry partners, overall funding for the project amounts to 3.7 million euros. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
Note to editors
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Tobias Osborne, Institute of Theoretical Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, Tel. +49 511 762-417502, Email tobias.osborne@itp.uni-hannover.de.
