There are hardly any companies in Germany that deal with the hardware development of quantum computers.
(Photo: Reuters)
In addition to the American John F. Clauser, two Europeans, Alain Aspect and Anton Zeilinger, were recently honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics for their scientific achievements in the quantum field. Her research creates the basis for the construction of quantum computers. The award shows: Europe is a world leader in quantum physics.
Now one might think that European companies would be scrambling to build a quantum computer for this bright scientific potential. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case.
In Europe there is not a single listed large corporation that dares to build a quantum computer. In Germany, companies like Siemens, BASF, SAP, Volkswagen and Infineon are content with developing algorithms for quantum computers. They are not even considering investing in companies that build quantum computers.
It is noticeable that the medium-sized company Trumpf or a start-up like IQM seem to be bolder. They dare the economic risk, although they have significantly less financial and human resources.
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This is an intolerable situation: when Trumpf’s chief technology officer Peter Leibinger says that quantum computers will change the world, this is not a statement from a scientist who has fallen in love with physics. There are reasons why US corporations like IBM, Google and Microsoft and the Chinese state are making great efforts to build quantum computers.
Good funding conditions in Germany
In this country, however, many companies seem to lack the foresight and the clear prospect of bubbling income. Because it is also clear that investments in quantum computer development will not pay off anytime soon. The technology could only be usable in decades.
>> Read here an interview with entrepreneur Peter Leibinger: “Quantum physics will change the way we think”
Conversely, the fact that the heavily capital market-oriented US corporations are still sticking to the expensive development shows the importance that companies attach to this technology.
When it comes to future technologies, companies in Germany often criticize that politicians do not create the necessary framework conditions and hardly provide any financial resources. In quantum computing, however, it’s the other way around.
The economics and research ministries are providing almost two billion euros. In Europe, companies can even access over seven billion euros in funding.
Everything is there that is needed. The heads, the money. All that’s missing now is an entrepreneurial spirit that dares to seize the opportunity.
More: How Germany wants to catch up in quantum technology