In addition to the maritime sector, other relevant industries such as drug research (Fraunhofer ITMP), additive manufacturing (Fraunhofer IAPT), and the development of innovative materials that ensure sustainable energy supply through renewable energies (Fraunhofer IAP) are also considered. The four partners have therefore founded the "Fraunhofer Industrial Application Center Quantum Computing Hamburg" (Fraunhofer IQHH) as a virtual organization.
 

The Fraunhofer project IQHH aims to bundle its expertise and capacities in application-oriented quantum computing, unlock synergies, and thus generate competitive advantages for the economy in the metropolitan region of Hamburg in a targeted and timely manner.
 

The development of sample applications is an important prerequisite for understanding and using quantum technology. Therefore, the new application center IQHH aims to communicate the potential and possibilities of quantum technology to the economy at an early stage. The researchers see concrete applications, for example, in route planning and network optimization (Fraunhofer CML), in time-resolved protein structure and efficacy studies (Fraunhofer ITMP), in process predictions and digital twins in additive manufacturing (Fraunhofer IAPT), as well as in the development of catalysts for use in the hydrogen economy (Fraunhofer IAP).
 

Quantum technology will significantly shape further developments in science and economy. Quantum computers can surpass the performance of conventional computers by many magnitudes, as they have the potential to redefine what can be computed. Calculations that currently take years for computers could be performed in a matter of seconds. This opens up enormous possibilities for the design and optimization of products and production processes based on innovative materials as well as for logistics processes and systems.
 

The Fraunhofer IQHH will also collaborate with other networks such as the Hamburg Quantum Innovation Capital (hqic) and the Fraunhofer Competence Network Quantum Computing. The Competence Network Quantum Computing represents 12 Fraunhofer institutes located throughout Germany, which are driving the advancement of quantum technology with various focuses, and whose extensive knowledge and expertise the IQHH application center can draw on as needed. In addition, as part of a national cooperation with IBM, Fraunhofer has preferred access to the IBM Quantum System One, which is currently the only quantum computer that can be used with secured IP access.
 

The heads of the new network are looking forward to the collaboration: "The four Fraunhofer institutions combine knowledge and experience from different fields as well as mathematical optimization and quantum computing," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carlos Jahn, Head of Fraunhofer CML and the IQHH Application Center. "This makes us the ideal partner to support companies from many areas of the economy in introducing this new technology."
 

Prof. Dr. Carsten Claussen, Deputy Head of the Fraunhofer Project IQHH and Head of the Hamburg branch of the Fraunhofer ITMP, adds: "The potential of quantum computers is obvious, but the transition to concrete applications is not trivial. With IQHH, we will pool our resources and offer interested industry partners cooperations to convert their respective questions into models, make them 'quantum-ready' and run them on quantum computers. Initially, optimization tasks, also with hybrid approaches, are on the agenda."
 

As part of the quantum computing initiative of the city of Hamburg, the Fraunhofer CML is being funded to research the use of quantum computing in shipping and maritime logistics. This is intended to help the industry benefit early on from the possibilities of the new technology and thus increase competitiveness compared to other locations. The new Fraunhofer application center IQHH aims to extend this intention to other future industries at the Hamburg site.
 

Fraunhofer CML

The Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML develops innovative solutions for the maritime sector and the maritime supply chain. We support companies and institutions from shipping, port economy and logistics in initiating and implementing future-oriented technologies and processes.
 

Fraunhofer IMTP

The Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP researches and develops innovative ways for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases resulting from disturbed functions of the immune system. At the Hamburg site, the ScreeningPort, the focus is on small molecule drug discovery and medical data science.
 

Fraunhofer IAPT

Fraunhofer IAPT stands for sustainable innovations in the field of additive manufacturing. The portfolio includes both composite and contract research at the process and material level, enabling unique component designs and system solutions up to automation and virtualization along the entire end-to-end production route.
 

Fraunhofer IAP

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP makes materials fit for the future! It is a reliable partner of industry for application-oriented research and development in the fields of bioeconomy and sustainability, energy transition and mobility, health and quality of life, as well as industry and technology. With around 260 employees in Potsdam, Schwarzheide, Schkopau, Wildau and Hamburg, Fraunhofer IAP develops sustainable materials, customized processes and efficient technologies along the entire value chain - from idea to industry-ready prototype.