INQUBATOR set to build a competitive quantum ecosystem over four years

New programme called INQUBATOR helps SMEs explore practical quantum applications.

Germany's INQUBATOR aims to help companies test quantum applications and lower adoption barriers for SMEs.

Germany has launched the INQUBATOR initiative to help companies, particularly SMEs, prepare for the industrial impact of quantum computing. The four-year programme offers structured support to firms facing high entry barriers and limited access to advanced technologies.

A central feature is affordable access to quantum systems from multiple vendors, paired with workshops and hands-on training. Companies can test algorithms, assess business relevance and adapt processes without investing in costly hardware or specialist infrastructure.

The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid-State Physics and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology. It brings together several Fraunhofer institutes to guide firms from early exploration to applied solutions.

Initial pilot projects span medicine, cybersecurity, insurance and automotive sectors. These examples are intended to demonstrate measurable advantages and will be followed by an open call for further use cases across a broader range of industries.

INQUBATOR aims to reduce financial and technical obstacles while expanding quantum expertise and industrial readiness in Germany. By enabling practical experimentation, it seeks to build a competitive ecosystem of quantum-literate companies over the next four years.

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