QUICS

Quantum innovation centre for small and medium-sized enterprises

The central approach for the QUICS project is research into quantum computing methods and their practical provision to enable a low-threshold entry point for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The project focuses on bridging the gap between academic quantum research and industrial application, particularly in fields requiring complex optimization, material science simulations, and advanced cryptography.

Due to its disruptive potential, quantum computing is a key future field for Germany’s technological sovereignty. QUICS addresses the fact that while the potential for quantum advantage is immense, the entry barriers—ranging from hardware costs to highly specialized mathematical expertise—are currently too high for many companies. By providing a managed ecosystem of simulators and hardware access, QUICS allows businesses to develop “quantum-ready” algorithms today.

In addition, the Competence Centre is open to requests from various industrial sectors, including logistics, the chemical industry, and finance, helping them evaluate where quantum speedups can offer a competitive edge.

Areas of application for quantum methods within the project include the optimization of supply chains, the simulation of molecular structures for drug discovery, and the improvement of machine learning models through quantum-enhanced kernels. By utilizing the GWDG’s existing HPC infrastructure, QUICS enables hybrid workflows where classical pre-processing and quantum acceleration work hand-in-hand. This holistic support ensures that companies do not just experiment with isolated circuits but integrate quantum logic into reliable, production-grade IT environments.

The role of the GWDG

As a non-profit limited company, the GWDG is the computing and data centre of the UGOE, including the UMG, and the IT competence centre of the Max Planck Society. It offers the entire spectrum of IT services to more than 100,000 users from all over Germany. It serves as the primary technical host for the QUICS infrastructure, leveraging its role as a National High Performance Computing (NHR) centre to provide the massive classical computational power required to simulate quantum systems. Its services include the provision of specialized software containers (Qiskit, Qibo, PennyLane) and the management of secure interfaces to external quantum hardware providers. In addition, the GWDG conducts its own research in the field of applied computer science and HPC to ensure that the integration of quantum accelerators into classical data centers remains at the cutting edge of technology.

Funded Project Partners

• GWDG (Coordinator)
• Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH/L3S)
• Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) (Associated via subcontract)

Consortium

• GWDG (Coordinator)
• Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH/L3S)
• QTZ (Quantum Technology Center)