OpenSuperQ · Project

Europe's First Open-Access Superconducting Quantum Computer for Industry Use

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Imagine a computer so powerful it can solve in minutes what would take today's best supercomputers thousands of years. OpenSuperQ built Europe's first open-access quantum computer using superconducting circuits cooled to near absolute zero — like building a tiny, ultra-cold city of up to 100 electronic switches that follow the weird rules of quantum physics. The machine is designed for real tasks: simulating chemical reactions, cracking optimization puzzles, and speeding up machine learning. Think of it as a shared lab instrument — companies and researchers across Europe can log in and run problems on it without buying their own.

By the numbers

up to 100

qubits targeted for the quantum processor

consortium partners

countries represented in the consortium

total project deliverables

SMEs in the consortium

40%

industry ratio in the consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Companies in pharma, finance, logistics, and AI are hitting the ceiling of what classical computers can do for molecular simulation, portfolio optimization, and machine learning training. These computations either take too long, cost too much in cloud compute, or simply cannot be solved at the scale needed. European companies currently have no domestic open-access quantum computing platform to test whether quantum approaches could break through these barriers.

The solution

What was built

The project built a superconducting quantum processor targeting up to 100 qubits with integrated cryogenic packaging, control hardware, calibration and parameter estimation tools, high-fidelity quantum gates, and HPC simulation capabilities for benchmarking — totalling 30 deliverables. The system was designed as Europe's first open-access quantum computer at a central site.

Audience

Who needs this

Pharmaceutical companies running molecular simulations for drug discoveryFinancial institutions solving large-scale portfolio optimization problemsAI companies seeking quantum-accelerated machine learningChemical and materials companies simulating molecular propertiesLogistics firms with complex route or supply chain optimization challenges

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Pharmaceutical & Chemical

enterprise

Target: Mid-to-large pharmaceutical companies or specialty chemical firms with heavy R&D in molecular simulation

If you are a pharma or chemical company spending months on molecular simulations to discover new drugs or materials — this project built a quantum computing platform with up to 100 qubits specifically benchmarked on quantum chemistry problems. Instead of waiting weeks for classical supercomputer results, you could access this open quantum system to simulate molecular interactions faster. The consortium includes 3 SMEs and 4 industry partners already working on making this technology accessible.

Financial Services & Insurance

enterprise

Target: Banks, asset managers, or insurance companies running complex portfolio optimization or risk models

If you are a financial institution struggling with portfolio optimization or risk modeling that pushes classical computing to its limits — OpenSuperQ developed a quantum computer targeting optimization and machine learning problems. The system's 2D qubit layout with nearest-neighbour connectivity was designed for exactly these kinds of combinatorial challenges. With 10 consortium partners across 5 countries, the platform was built for external users to access remotely.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

any

Target: AI companies or enterprise AI departments seeking quantum-accelerated machine learning

If you are an AI company hitting performance ceilings with classical hardware for training complex models — this project built integrated control software and hardware ready for machine learning applications on a quantum processor. The platform includes calibration and parameter estimation tools, high-fidelity quantum gates, and HPC simulation capabilities for benchmarking. The open-access model means you can test quantum advantage for your specific ML workloads without massive capital investment.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost my company to access this quantum computer?

The project was designed as an open-access platform at a central site for external users, which suggests a shared-infrastructure model rather than a purchase model. Based on available project data, specific pricing or access fees are not disclosed. Contact the coordinator at Forschungszentrum Jülich to discuss access terms.

Can this handle industrial-scale problems today?

The system targets up to 100 qubits, which is at the frontier of current quantum computing but not yet sufficient for all industrial-scale problems. It was specifically benchmarked on quantum chemistry simulation, optimization, and machine learning tasks. Real-world quantum advantage for most business applications will likely require further scaling beyond what this generation delivers.

What is the IP situation — can we license or use the technology?

OpenSuperQ was funded as an EU Research and Innovation Action (RIA), meaning results are typically subject to EU open-access and dissemination rules. The project explicitly emphasizes an open approach with interfaces and standards made available to the broader community. Specific licensing terms for the hardware, software, or calibration tools should be discussed with the consortium partners.

Is the technology ready for deployment or still experimental?

The project delivered working control hardware, calibration tools, high-fidelity quantum gates, and HPC simulation capabilities across 30 deliverables. However, superconducting quantum computers at this scale still require specialized cryogenic infrastructure and expert operation. This is best characterized as a tested prototype available at a central facility, not a turnkey product.

How does this compare to quantum offerings from IBM or Google?

OpenSuperQ aimed to be the first quantum computer of its kind in Europe, comparable to leading platforms worldwide. Its distinguishing feature is the open-access approach — designed to serve a large community of users and make underlying technologies available. Based on available project data, direct performance comparisons with commercial quantum cloud services are not provided.

What kind of technical support or onboarding is available?

The project developed integrated control software and hardware ready for applications, along with calibration and parameter estimation tools. A user board was established to support external access. The consortium of 10 partners across 5 countries includes both research institutions and technology companies that could provide integration support.

Consortium

Who built it

The OpenSuperQ consortium is well-balanced for a deep-tech hardware project: 10 partners across 5 countries (Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Sweden) with a 40% industry ratio — significantly higher than typical quantum research projects. The mix of 4 industry partners (including 3 SMEs), 4 universities, and 2 research organizations means the project had both scientific depth and commercial translation capability. Forschungszentrum Jülich, the coordinator, is one of Europe's largest research centers with a major high-performance computing facility, making it a credible host for a shared quantum computing platform. The presence of 3 SMEs suggests that smaller quantum technology companies are already commercializing components of this ecosystem.

FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBHCoordinator · DE
TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OYparticipant · FI
EURICE EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND PROJECT OFFICE GMBHparticipant · DE
ZURICH INSTRUMENTS AGparticipant · CH
BLUEFORS OYparticipant · FI
EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICHparticipant · CH
UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEAparticipant · ES
CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA ABparticipant · SE
UNIVERSITAT DES SAARLANDESparticipant · DE

How to reach the team

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (Germany) — one of Europe's largest research centers with HPC infrastructure. Reach out to their quantum computing division.

Order a report on this consortium See FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how quantum computing could solve your optimization or simulation challenges? SciTransfer can connect you with the OpenSuperQ team and help evaluate if quantum is right for your use case.

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