News from quantum computing research: the future of high-performance computers
Quantum computing opens up a new dimension of computing power – way beyond the limits of conventional supercomputers. Meet the leading minds, cutting-edge startups and global tech pioneers from June 22-25, 2027 at World of Quantum in Munich – and experience up close how the future is taking shape.
Quantum computing—From bit to qubit
Quantum computers open the door to performance ranges that are unattainable for conventional supercomputers. Instead of using binary bits based on silicon, which can only represent the states 0 or 1, quantum computers work with qubits. These can assume any ratio of 0 and 1 and, thanks to superposed quantum states, any combination of both values. Theoretically, the computing power doubles with each additional qubit. With two qubits, four states can be maintained simultaneously, with ten qubits it is already 1,024 and if 100 noise-free, fully operational qubits were feasible, this would correspond to a quintillion possible states.
Technologies in quantum computer research
Qubits – the heart of quantum computing – can be based on different physical principles. Depending on the technology platform, neutral atoms, electrons, ions, photons or superconducting circuits are used. Each of these approaches has its own strengths, challenges and degrees of maturity. The wide variety of these platforms shows that the technology is still at an early and highly innovative stage.
Potential of quantum computers for research & industry
There are, however, signs that quantum computers with specially developed algorithms will trigger a boost for planning and control processes in transport, logistics and industrial production, implement complex calculations in finance and insurance, and enable very high-resolution simulations in fluid and thermodynamics, meteorology, and the molecular design of smart materials or new active agents and vaccines. The powerful quantum computers also seem predestined for solving mathematical and physical problems that would take today’s supercomputers weeks, years and sometimes even thousands of years to solve.
Quantum computing at World of Quantum
Be part of World of Quantum, which takes place at the same time as the leading international trade fairs Laser World of Photonics and automatica as well as the World of Photonics Congress including the specialist conference CLEO®/Europe-EQEC.
Meet a professional global audience in every respect from industries such as
- Information and communication technology
- Medicine and diagnostics
- Measurement and sensor technology
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace
- Chemicals
- Mechanical and plant engineering
You can also become part of an agile community of quantum pioneers who will be meeting for the fourth time at World of Quantum in Munich from June 22–25, 2027. Take advantage of this opportunity to network, hold in-depth technical discussions and make contact with potential customers, industry partners, innovative start-ups and committed talents!
The disruptive potential of quantum computing
Quantum computing is on the home stretch to commercialization. It is still unclear which of the technology platforms that have emerged from global basic research to date will bring the first systems to market maturity—and, thus, will gain market share.
The industry has enormous development momentum and has recently been able to raise around $50 billion in public funding and private venture capital worldwide. Approaches that initially received little attention are catching up, including neutral atoms controlled with lasers in a vacuum. This makes it all the more important for both potential users and providers of conventional ICT solutions to follow developments and seek discussions with the leading players in this young sector.
Highly relevant quantum computer research for many industries
Hardware, software and application development are almost synchronized in quantum computing. The disruptive potential is obvious. Use World of Quantum to talk to the pioneers in this field of technology. Find out first-hand about the state of development, about possible applications in your company and in your industry, and also about international trends in the field of quantum computing.
The relevance for many sectors is still difficult to assess. Compared to today’s computers, servers and data centers, quantum computers are at an early stage of development. However, the strong momentum has already attracted many potential users:
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace
- Chemical industry
- Logistics
- Transport and production planning
- Finance and insurance sectors
They are already working on the “quantum readiness” of their processes, products and teams in order to best prepare themselves for possible disruptions in their markets.
Quantum computing and AI
The interaction of quantum computers and artificial intelligence (AI) promises major leaps in innovation. With quantum machine learning (QML), there is already an interdisciplinary field of research that deals with complex energy networks, quantum-assisted cryptography and the efficient training of neural networks. This involves combinatorial optimization in systems with many variables, be it industrial supply chains, optimal capacity utilization of airports and rail systems or the efficient planning of distributed production processes in industry.
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FAQ – the most important questions about quantum computer research
A quantum computer is a new type of computer that does not work with the conventional 0 and 1 but with what are called qubits. These qubits use the effects of quantum physics:
- Superposition (a qubit is 0 and 1 at the same time)
- Entanglement (qubits influence each other, even over large distances)
The result is high-performance computers that perform multiple calculations simultaneously.
Quantum computing is suitable for highly complex calculations in a wide variety of areas, for example:
- Medicine: Faster development of new active ingredients
- Logistics: Optimum planning of supply chains and traffic flows
- Climate research: More accurate calculation of weather models
- Finances: Efficient risk and investment analysis
Research into quantum computers is very active and dynamic: We are at the dawn of a new technological era, much like conventional computers in the 1950s. The first functioning quantum computers already exist, for example from IBM, Google or research projects in Germany. However, these systems still work with a limited number of qubits and are very sensitive to interference. We are currently in the “NISQ” phase (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum), which means that quantum computers already function, but not yet error-free and not on a large scale. Researchers around the world are working to make the technology scalable, stable and economically viable – with promising progress!
Yes! Many exhibitors are presenting:
- Prototypes and models of real quantum computers
- Simulations and software to try out
- Live demonstrations and specialist lectures
A number of exhibition stands are even offering visitors the opportunity to experiment with a quantum computer themselves, for example, via cloud connectivity.
In the future, quantum computers could crack some of today’s encryption methods, which is why work on post-quantum cryptography that is also secure against quantum attacks is already being carried out.
Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) complement each other perfectly: In the future, quantum computers could significantly accelerate complex calculations, such as training AI models, while AI is helping to control quantum processors more efficiently and correct errors. In research, this is producing new approaches such as “quantum machine learning”, in which quantum computers and AI are combined to solve problems that were previously almost impossible to solve with conventional technology.