Helmholtz Quantum Center (HQC)

The realm of quanta has its own logic – after all, quanta can assume different states at the same time. Understanding and using this logic offers enormous opportunities. Quantum technology will change our world – in science, industry, business and everyday life. In order for the high expectations to be fulfilled, theoretical knowledge and practical competence must be optimally combined. That is the goal of the new “Helmholtz Quantum Center”, HQC for short, which was launched in 2020. It takes into account the increased importance of quantum technology: from researching different quantum materials and testing various qubit concepts to building a European quantum computer. Basic research, theory and development are to be drawn together in the HQC. Six research fields and seven technology clusters are linked to this end.

In addition to other top-class scientists, Prof. Stefan Tautz from the JARA-FIT section as well as Prof. David DiVincenzo and Prof. Hendrik Bluhm, directors of the Institute for Quantum Information, are significantly involved in the HQC.

The project is funded by the Helmholtz Association (HGF) with about €50 million and includes, among other things, the construction of a new building with the latest experimental equipment on the Jülich campus. It will also house the JARA-FIT Institute for Quantum Information and the laboratory facilities of the European “Quantum Flagship”. The new building will offer laboratory and office space to partners from the region, Germany and Europe for visiting scientists. It is planned that the HQC will go into full operation in 2025.