Key milestones achieved at half-time: The QSolid Quantum Computer Project is heading towards the prototype of the 10-Qubit demonstrator

Since January 2022, QSolid has been working on creating a high-quality quantum computer "Made in Germany" using superconducting quantum chips. Now, halfway through this ambitious project led by Prof. Frank Wilhelm-Mauch at Forschungszentrum Jülich, significant progress has been made towards the 10-qubit prototype of the final demonstrator.

The project's primary goal is to develop quantum bits, or qubits, with minimal error rates, this way addressing one of quantum computing's biggest challenges. In this initial phase, more than 160 experts from 25 partner institutions developed key technologies successfully leading to a functional 10-qubit prototype.

As the project reaches its midpoint, nearly all partners have achieved their milestones, as they succeeded in developing and installing crucial subsystems. A significant upcoming milestone is the operational launch of the QSolid halftime demonstrator, featuring 10 qubits, low error rates, an integrated software stack, and cloud access via the JUNIQ platform at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Carlos Gonzalez Calaza, JUNIQ Lead Developer, explains the role of the JülichSupercomputing Centre (JSC) as follows: "JSC’s task is to integrate the QSolid quantum computer into the institute’s HPC infrastructure as well as to provide cloud and HPC access to the device for project and external users through the JUNIQ cloud platform.“ With regard to the project’s requirements, he adds: “The mid-term milestone for JSC demands that at least one user can perform at least one simple quantum circuit on the QSolid midterm demonstrator via JUNIQ. We are happy to say that this has been demonstrated through the successive smoke tests presented to our partners this and last year."

Looking ahead, the 10-qubit prototype is just the beginning. By December 2026, the system is to be scaled up so that it can control up to 30 qubits with high error correction. Initial preparations for this next phase are already in progress.

The QSolid project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), funding programme ‘Quantum technologies - from basic research to the market’.

For more information visit the JUNIQ and QSolid Websites.

Contact: Kristel Michielsen (JSC)