Germanium quantum processors: more, robust, available

Quantum computers promise to enable a computing power far beyond the capabilities of modern-day classical and super computers and are expected to revolutionise research in, among others, chemistry, medicine and materials research. However, a quantum computer capable of solving useful problems will require millions of high-quality quantum bits (qubits) working together. Currently, there are several qubit hardware platforms that are being studied and commercialised. This commercialisation mainly focuses on superconducting transmon qubits, photonic qubits and qubits made with trapped ions. Although these platforms enabled the first breakthroughs in quantum computing research and are developing steadily, the large size of the qubit systems may hamper their scaling towards the millions of qubits required for useful quantum computations.

Groove will overcome the scaling problem that most quantum bit platforms will face, by focusing on the semiconductor germanium platform. Germanium qubits stand out due to a small footprint, well-defined, long-lived qubit states and compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing. This is highly promising for scalability. We will develop high-yield, robust qubits and scale up to 16 qubits, which we will make available in the cloud. In parallel we will write a business plan and prepare the launch of a start-up company already during the grant period, given the strong commercial potential of this technology. Our project will greatly contribute to the EU ambition of being in the forefront of the second quantum revolution by enabling a revolutionary technology fulfilling current and future market needs.