Germany is taking a major step toward industrial quantum innovation with the launch of INQUBATOR, the Fraunhofer Industrial Quantum Computing Test and Consulting Center.
The four-year initiative aims to prepare German companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), for the transformative potential of quantum computing, helping them harness its power without the high costs and technical barriers typically associated with the technology.
Making quantum computing accessible
A cornerstone of the INQUBATOR project is providing easy, cost-effective access to quantum computers from multiple manufacturers.
Companies can explore tailor-made solutions for their processes and experiment with quantum algorithms without investing in expensive hardware.
Workshops, training sessions, and hands-on collaboration allow industry partners to actively engage in developing their own use cases, gaining practical insight into the technology while understanding its business value.
By leveraging the high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum infrastructure of the Fraunhofer Institutes, participating companies can test ideas and translate research outcomes into real-world applications quickly.
The flexible framework ensures that industry needs are central to the project, enabling immediate experimentation and iteration.
Bridging the gap for SMEs
INQUBATOR specifically targets firms that are not yet integrated into the quantum ecosystem, with a focus on SMEs that may face challenges in adopting such advanced technologies.
By participating in joint research and development, these companies can overcome barriers and engage with quantum computing in a practical, application-oriented way.
The initiative is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) and is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
The project is a collaborative effort among Fraunhofer IAF, IAO, ITWM, and IPA, pooling their expertise in quantum hardware and software to guide companies from initial exploration to applied solutions.
Initial use cases as industry blueprints
INQUBATOR will begin with four carefully selected pilot use cases in medicine, cybersecurity, insurance, and automotive sectors.
These projects serve as a blueprint for other companies and demonstrate how quantum computing can generate measurable advantages in key economic areas.
Following these pilot projects, the initiative will open a call for additional proposals to integrate at least eight more use cases from a variety of industries.
Each use case will have a dedicated plan for practical application, enabling companies to contribute their own challenges and explore solutions collaboratively.
This approach emphasises innovation, focusing on algorithms with strong potential for solving real-world business problems.
Driving innovation and competitiveness
By providing independent assessment and technological support, INQUBATOR helps companies navigate the complexity of quantum computing.
The project removes traditional obstacles, such as the high cost of computing time and the unfamiliarity of quantum algorithms compared to classical approaches, making the technology accessible and actionable for a wide range of businesses.
Beyond individual company benefits, INQUBATOR strengthens Germany’s overall quantum knowledge and intellectual property base. Expanding expertise in this emerging field is essential for maintaining the country’s technological leadership and opening new markets.
The project positions German industry to remain competitive on the international stage by integrating quantum solutions into industrial workflows.
A step toward the quantum revolution
The launch of INQUBATOR marks a strategic move to prepare Germany for the upcoming quantum revolution.
By combining research excellence with practical industry engagement, the project fosters the development of innovative solutions that could reshape sectors ranging from healthcare to automotive technology.
For companies ready to explore quantum computing, INQUBATOR provides an unprecedented opportunity to experiment with the technology, validate algorithms, and apply them to pressing business challenges.
Over its four-year duration, the initiative is expected to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of quantum-savvy industrial players, securing long-term competitiveness and driving Germany’s position at the forefront of this transformative field.
