HQS QUANTUM SIMULATIONS GMBH

Their core work

HQS Quantum Simulations is a German deep-tech SME that develops quantum computing software for simulating molecular and material properties. They specialize in building algorithms and software tools that run on quantum hardware — particularly superconducting qubit processors — to solve complex chemistry and materials science problems. Their work bridges theoretical quantum physics and practical computational chemistry, enabling researchers and industries to model molecular behavior that classical computers struggle with.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

HQS entered the H2020 landscape late — all three projects started in 2020, suggesting the company was founded or reached project-readiness around that time. There is no early-period keyword data, meaning their entire H2020 footprint belongs to the most recent wave of quantum computing research. Their simultaneous entry across quantum annealing, molecular simulation, and applied quantum computing indicates they arrived with a mature, multi-pronged quantum software strategy rather than gradually building expertise within H2020.

HQS is moving from fundamental quantum algorithm research toward real-world quantum computing applications in chemistry and materials, positioning them well as quantum hardware matures toward practical utility.

How they like to work

HQS operates exclusively as a participant — they join consortia rather than leading them, which is typical for a specialized software SME contributing deep technical expertise to larger research efforts. With 30 unique partners across 12 countries from just 3 projects, they integrate into sizable international consortia (averaging 10+ partners per project). This pattern suggests they are a sought-after specialist that established research groups want on their team for quantum software capability.

Despite only three projects, HQS has built a broad network of 30 partners across 12 European countries, reflecting the inherently international nature of quantum computing research. Their connections likely span major quantum research hubs in France, Netherlands, Austria, and beyond.

What sets them apart

HQS occupies a rare niche as a dedicated quantum simulation software company — most quantum computing SMEs focus on hardware or generic algorithms, while HQS targets the specific intersection of quantum computing and computational chemistry. Based in Karlsruhe, home to KIT and a strong quantum ecosystem, they bring commercial software development discipline to academic-heavy consortia. For anyone building a quantum computing consortium, HQS offers the missing link between quantum hardware teams and domain scientists who need simulation tools.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NEASQC
  Largest funding (EUR 376,875) and focused on bringing quantum computing to practical applications — signals HQS's role in bridging research and real-world use.
• AVaQus
  Targets a specific quantum computing paradigm (annealing-based variational processors), showing HQS's depth in algorithm-hardware co-design for superconducting platforms.
• MOQS
  An MSCA training network, indicating HQS contributes to training the next generation of quantum scientists — unusual for a private SME.