The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) granted the German Aerospace Center (DLR) €740 million in funding over four years for the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (QCI). Under DLR’s leadership, German industry, research institutions, and startups would develop prototype quantum computers with multiple architectures, including ion traps, diamond-based approaches, quantum dots, and neutral atoms, according to the DLR announcement.
On October 27, 2022, DLR awarded five contracts totaling €208.5 million specifically for ion-trap-based quantum computing. Recipients included Universal Quantum Deutschland, eleQtron, NXP Semiconductors Germany, Parity Quantum Computing Germany, and QUDORA Technologies. Innovation centers in Hamburg and Ulm would host the development work.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier said Germany’s goal was to be “among the world leaders in both the development and application of quantum technologies.” The contracts ensured that usage and patent rights remained with the German industrial and research partners.