The German government says it will spend €3bn over the next three years to build a universal quantum computer. The project is part of a new initiative to make Germany competitive with countries that have already built or are taking steps to construct such a device. It is hoped the cash will boost the German economy and place the country at the top of quantum developments in the European Union.
Set to be built by 2026, Germany’s quantum computer will exploit current quantum technology. It will have a capacity of at least 100 qubits but this could later be expanded to 500 qubits. Funding for the device includes €2.2bn split among several government ministries, including €1.37bn for the research ministry. National research institutes will receive another €800m.