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BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to support the development of quantum technologies, saying at the opening of an IBM data centre on Tuesday that investment in the sector was crucial for the future of Europe’s biggest economy.
“Our goal is clear: to be global leader in quantum technologies,” said Scholz, adding Germany had invested 2 billion euros ($2.22 billion) on quantum technology since 2020.
“This is the basis of our economic success and prosperity,” he said at the opening of IBM’s Quantum European Data Center in Ehningen, a roughly 290 million euro investment. The centre will allow users in Europe and elsewhere to access services for cloud-based quantum computing research.
Quantum computers could operate millions of times faster than advanced supercomputers. So far, the United States and China have led the technology.
Other projects in Germany include the joint development of quantum processors by Infineon and eleQtron GmbH.
Scholz said Germany was focused on semiconductors, AI, pharmaceuticals and bio- and climate technologies.
“These are the areas we need to lead,” said Scholz, adding it was vital Europe pushes ahead with semiconductor production despite a delay in a planned investment by U.S. chipmaker Intel in the city of Magdeburg.
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(Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Rachel More)