Quantum Computing Heilbronn-Franken

Quantum computing has attracted great interest in recent years due to its disruptive application potential. The research field encompasses significant technological advances with the potential to solve problems in the future that cannot be solved with conventional computer architectures, or only to a limited extent. In this context, an international innovation ecosystem is developing, consisting of national and regional sub-ecosystems. Stakeholders from research, business, politics and society contribute to the creation of knowledge and innovation in dynamic forms of cooperation. The Heilbronn-Franken region also represents such a sub-ecosystem and is interested in understanding the developments and dynamics of the international innovation ecosystem and in creating and classifying its own activities.

Quantum computing start-up scene
The international start-up scene and its business models in the field of quantum computing are analyzed. The focus is on hardware and software as well as availability solutions for providers and users. The findings will be discussed with financing and funding stakeholders from the Heilbronn area and incorporated into the Quantum Roadmap.

Quantum Computing as a Service: business models, hosting models, business cases for QC providers
Realizing quantum computing is not just a business area for new deep-tech companies. There are also business opportunities for established companies in the IT sector as an indispensable partner in the innovation ecosystem. The project will explore and discuss with IT providers from the region which service offerings are required as part of "Quantum Computing as a Service" (QCaaS) and how future, quantum-oriented business model components or hosting models can be formulated from existing offerings.

Identification and investigation of specific use cases for the economy with reference to the region
With regard to the application of QC technologies, concrete use cases for the economy with a regional reference are identified, developed as QC use cases, documented and presented in event formats.

Quantum computing for Machine Learning (QML) and AI
A promising field of application for quantum computing is the training of classical AI algorithms, their hyperparameter optimization and/or the replacement or supplementation of "classical" solution strategies with quantum analogues or quantum strengths. To this end, AI sub-areas or algorithms and applications are systematically examined, AI best practices are transferred, hybridization options are explored and the significance of QC for AI solutions is evaluated.

Further training, knowledge transfer and expert network
In addition to the research and development activities, the focus is on knowledge transfer to accompany the path from Quantum Awareness to Quantum Readiness. Knowledge products and interactive transfer formats are created to support access and exchange on the topic of quantum computing for interested stakeholders from companies, institutes and social groups in the region.

The potential, needs and challenges of the quantum computing ecosystem emerging in the Heilbronn-Franken region will be analyzed in the project and research in the field of Quantum Machine Learning will be driven forward. A sustainable quantum technology roadmap for the Heilbronn-Franken region will be developed and continuously refined in the medium term. This should enable the region to build up expertise and resources in a strategically relevant key technology in line with its regional strengths and position itself as part of the international quantum computing ecosystem.