Quantum Computing Roadmap Heilbronn-Franken

Quantum computing has the potential to extensively transform existing technological systems. With support of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, the Heilbronn-Franken region is positioning itself in the global quantum computing ecosystem. Based on regional resources and expertise, a unique research profile is being formed that will serve as the starting point for the development of an internationally networked knowledge hub.

Vision

Business-oriented home for Quantum Computing in Heilbronn

Quantum Heilbronn is a business-oriented home for excellent research in the field of quantum computing in the Heilbronn-Franken region.

In an internationally connected knowledge hub, we work on future-oriented applications at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Mission

Four Fields of Action

Quantum Heilbronn positions the Heilbronn-Franken region in the international quantum computing ecosystem with a focus on Quantum AI. We train the academic workforce, enable companies to integrate quantum computing into their processes and support the development of new business models.

To achieve this, we connect excellence in quantum computing research with practical applications and build competencies among individuals and organizations in the region.

The strategic positioning in the global quantum computing ecosystem plays a central role in the development of the Quantum Heilbronn knowledge hub. A unique profile is developed by involving regional and international players, such as universities, research and educational institutions, companies and protagonists of the Heilbronn ecosystem at an early stage.

To counter the skilled labor shortage as a central challenge for the further development of the technology field, Quantum Heilbronn contributes to the development of expertise in the disciplines of physics, mathematics, software development and engineering. In doing so, bridges are built both between different research disciplines and between research and application.

Quantum Heilbronn enables companies to tap into the potential of quantum computing at an early stage. To achieve this, the activities focus on raising awareness and imparting knowledge within the company, as well as on the technological identification and development of use cases.

Research-based start-ups and spin-offs are central to the exploitation and commercialization of QC research in the knowledge hub. Talents are to be supported in the long term and assisted with their successful start-up. To make the Heilbronn-Franken region attractive for founders, access to first-class infrastructure and technological know-how will be created and a strong network of mentors and investors will be formed.

Roadmap

Positioning and excellence in the quantum computing ecosystem

Objectives

until 2026

Shortterm

until 2029

Midterm

until 2034

Longterm

Excellent research and expansion of the international ecosystem

Annual conference and transfer program

Create visibility for the Heilbronn research profile in the ecosystem
Establish a series of events in Heilbronn (e. g. the annual symposium ML4QT)
Combine expert lectures with break-out sessions increase collaborative research and joint use cases
Promotion of international networking and innovative research through mini-grants and awards

Expansion of strategic cooperation projects and research funding

Strengthening existing formats and adding new partnerships in Heilbronn (e.g. trade fairs, symposia)
HNFIZ realizes exchange formats with leading research institutions and universities in Heilbronn
Strategic development of the economic region to support the settlement of international QC experts (e.g. development of a landing pad for specialists)

Establish an international partner network

Bringing together people, resources, knowledge and technologies to strengthen technological excellence and sovereignty in Germany and Europe
Continuation and strategic expansion of the network of endowed professorships at leading research institutions and business contacts

Create access to hardware and services

Access to quantum hardware and educational resources

Enable access to and initial experience with quantum computing hardware in a research environment (e.g. through a voucher system)
Provide training and education to meet the needs of quantum enthusiasts
Offer rapidly available options to explore applications with low bureaucratic hurdles (e. g. for testing experimental software applications)

Provision of QCaaS offerings

Enable access to various high-performance quantum computing platforms via a cloud
Reduce common entry barriers through additional consulting services for hardware and software systems and make them accessible in a way that promotes learning for various interest groups (e. g. performance-code-optimization)

Technology- and business-driven infrastructure expansion

Analyse the need for resources in the partner network (e. g. in connection with HPC use)
Evaluate strategic options for hardware purchases (focus on regional resources )
Expand hardware offering to include one or more hardware platforms through acquisition or partnerships
Communicate infrastructure expansion

Promote open innovation in Quantum AI

Knowledge and technology transfer in the region

Communicate in a way that is understandable and crosses disciplinary boundaries to appeal to regional stakeholders in research and industry (e. g. after-work formats)
Involve suitable partner organizations that have similar areas of focus in terms of application orientation and Quantum AI

New exchange formats between research groups and R&D departments

Develop and establish new knowledge channels and co-creative exchange formats between research groups and R&D departments to build a network for the entire QC stack (e.g. supplier workshops)

Anchor a culture of open innovation in Quantum AI

Create incentives for industry to develop and use open-source algorithms by providing access to infrastructure, data and expertise (e. g. voucher system)
Build up an open-source community within the framework of project partnerships to continuously publish research results and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of commercial applications

Academic education and workforce development for quantum computing

Objectives

until 2026

Shortterm

until 2029

Midterm

until 2034

Longterm

Establish Bachelor's and Master's programs

Interdisciplinary schools

Seasonal schools provide comprehensive knowledge in four modules
Use cases demonstrate ways for industrial exploitation (e. g. simulation or QML)
External speakers will showcase applications (e. g. quantum chemistry)
Program will be regulated by a competitive application process for talented students

Supplementary QC modules for Bachelor's and Master's students

Development of a QC module for students in a Bachelor’s and Master’s program together with Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN)
The training program considers the requirements of workforce development for the region (e. g. engineering, computer science and quantum physics)
Possibility of part-time studies

International educational partnerships

Strategic partnerships create a strong and competitive educational environment, while at the same time aligning programs with the needs of the regional industry
Further complementary modules or joint degree programs are offered with international partners (e. g. Perimeter Scholars International Master’s program, Oxford University Quantum Tech Master’s Course)

Support doctoral studies

Doctoral studies partnerships in quantum computing

Support for cooperative doctoral studies between research organizations, universities and industrial companies as Double-/ Joint-PhD-Programs
Access to real-world use cases for doctoral students to improve their career opportunities in applied research
Scholarships and targeted programs for talented researchers to support doctoral studies in QC and Quantum AI

QC-specific graduate programs

Connect Quantum AI-specific graduate programs to other initiatives in Heilbronn (e. g. graduate schools)
Promotion of industrial internships through QC contact fair with regional universities
Option of a dual graduate program with industry partners to strengthen practical relevance and develop application-oriented use cases for research

Alumni network

Partner with existing initiatives to improve international and interdisciplinary exchange
Through collaboration with regional companies, trained specialists are retained in the region in the long term

Provide outreach and non-academic educational opportunities

Entry-level and in-depth guides to QC

Screening, evaluation and acquisition of training offers from established providers in quantum computing
Access to knowledge about quantum computing via existing online resources (e. g. KI-Campus-platform)
Provide practical insights for local stakeholders through free networking events and evening lectures (e. g. invite local service clubs)

New didactic concepts for science communications

Public science communications on second-generation quantum technologies
Design and realization of a mobile special exhibition using existing resources, networks and stakeholders in Heilbronn
Support early childhood education to broadly expand STEM expertise

Didactic concepts are constantly adapted to the needs of the QC ecosystem

Strengthen knowledge transfer and networking between industry and research in the Heilbronn knowledge hub through customized courses
Update the educational program based on the recommendations of the Advisory Board

Application of quantum computing in companies

Objectives

until 2026

Shortterm

until 2029

Midterm

until 2034

Longterm

Integration in companies through awareness & knowledge transfer

Neutral consulting office for companies

Low-threshold information events to assess technology trends and advice on regionally available resources
Focus on the needs of regional industries (e.g. retail, finance, etc.)
Trend monitoring for companies in the field of quantum computing
Neutrality through full funding and an appropriate pricing model

Quantum AI quick-scan for companies

Analyses for companies to improve the training of conventional networks through quantum computing (including cost-benefit analyses in terms of time and data volumes)
Supports companies in identifying potential opportunities and risks at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence

End-to-end integration of quantum solutions into industrial processes

Supports companies in integrating the solutions identified during the quick scan into existing IT systems and corporate structures and processes
Customer-centered approach with the needs of the target group as the starting point

Professional training programs and concepts for specialists

Intro courses on the basics of quantum technology

1-day short training course at management level for regional companies (including observation of relevant developments and identification of use cases) to increase understanding of the potential of QC.
3-day industry training courses based on the Fraunhofer IAO training program for Quantum Enthusiasts (e. g. physicists, software developers, students).

In-depth training on hardware, algorithms and applications

Training program for quantum enthusiasts with different levels of knowledge and positions in companies.
Focuses on qualification for application, especially for employees from departments directly relevant to implementation (from “Beginner” to “Quantum Professional”).

Continuous development of key competencies for industrial application

Enables industry-academia partnerships by supporting internships, gap years in companies, and student research projects in quantum computing to continuously integrate external knowledge into the regional enterprises.

Build lighthouse projects for tech. implementation of use cases

Use case identification and proof-of-concept

Matchmaking between QC applications and regionally represented industries (e. g. trade, finance, logistics, manufacturing)
Evaluate the potential for industrial implementation and define the scope for application-oriented research
Collective research projects are pursued in regional industry consortia to develop proof-of-concept for industry-relevant applications while reducing risks and costs

Pilot projects for efficient Quantum AI applications in individual companies

Customized ML and QML solutions are compared at individual pioneering companies to prove the feasibility of the application in principle
The basis for a regionally specific application portfolio is created

Scaling efficient Quantum AI applications across multiple organizations

Demonstrations of successful use cases as highly visible lighthouse projects or reference applications to integrate Quantum AI solutions into other companies
Encourages other companies to adopt the technology and adapt the concept to their individual environments

Development of new business models in the field of quantum computing

Objectives

until 2026

Shortterm

until 2029

Midterm

until 2034

Longterm

Promote development of business models for start-ups & spin-offs

Incubator program

Provision of a mentoring and coaching offer for those interested in founding a company and transitioning from the lab to a start-up
Collaborations with established startup and co-innovation hubs to establish technology-specific incubator program for the region
Integration of the program into the broader high-tech ecosystem to expand the pool of available expertise

Accelerator program

Implementation of boot camps to further develop business ideas and to support spin-offs or start-ups in scaling their business models
Enablement of early positioning for start-ups by match-making with regional industry players to collaboratively develop niche applications
Access to investor network for promising founders

Establishment of an innovation center for Quantum AI

Provide consultations (e.g. IP law) and access to infrastructural resources (e.g. venture capital, office space, computing power)
“Landing Pad” to attract international start-ups and spin-offs to the Heilbronn-Franken region
Cooperation with deep tech centers and provision of expertise for networking events

Create long-term financing instruments for start-ups

Creation of innovative funding instruments

Analysis of current funding sources and development of new, innovative funding schemes (e. g. corporate venture capital initiatives organized in consortia)
Focus on timely benefits for companies in the region in order to pragmatically integrate hybrid QC approaches into existing processes and systems

Design of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Follow-up funding of public research projects by private venture capitalists, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and hybrid funding models to create more risk-sensitive financial instruments (e. g. through pre-commercial procurement)

High-Potential Fund

Supports particularly promising start-ups in Heilbronn with a regionally anchored, long-term fund
Non-profit lead investor plays a central role next to further involvement of regional and national investors

Positioning and excellence in the quantum computing ecosystem

Academic education and workforce development for quantum computing

Application of quantum computing in companies

Development of new business models in the field of quantum computing

Objectives

until 2026

Shortterm

until 2029

Midterm

until 2034

Longterm

Excellent research and expansion of the international ecosystem

Annual conference and transfer program

Create visibility for the Heilbronn research profile in the ecosystem
Establish a series of events in Heilbronn (e. g. the annual symposium ML4QT)
Combine expert lectures with break-out sessions increase collaborative research and joint use cases
Promotion of international networking and innovative research through mini-grants and awards

Expansion of strategic cooperation projects and research funding

Strengthening existing formats and adding new partnerships in Heilbronn (e.g. trade fairs, symposia)
HNFIZ realizes exchange formats with leading research institutions and universities in Heilbronn
Strategic development of the economic region to support the settlement of international QC experts (e.g. development of a landing pad for specialists)

Establish an international partner network

Bringing together people, resources, knowledge and technologies to strengthen technological excellence and sovereignty in Germany and Europe
Continuation and strategic expansion of the network of endowed professorships at leading research institutions and business contacts

Create access to hardware and services

Access to quantum hardware and educational resources

Enable access to and initial experience with quantum computing hardware in a research environment (e.g. through a voucher system)
Provide training and education to meet the needs of quantum enthusiasts
Offer rapidly available options to explore applications with low bureaucratic hurdles (e. g. for testing experimental software applications)

Provision of QCaaS offerings

Enable access to various high-performance quantum computing platforms via a cloud
Reduce common entry barriers through additional consulting services for hardware and software systems and make them accessible in a way that promotes learning for various interest groups (e. g. performance-code-optimization)

Technology- and business-driven infrastructure expansion

Analyse the need for resources in the partner network (e. g. in connection with HPC use)
Evaluate strategic options for hardware purchases (focus on regional resources )
Expand hardware offering to include one or more hardware platforms through acquisition or partnerships
Communicate infrastructure expansion

Promote open innovation in Quantum AI

Knowledge and technology transfer in the region

Communicate in a way that is understandable and crosses disciplinary boundaries to appeal to regional stakeholders in research and industry (e. g. after-work formats)
Involve suitable partner organizations that have similar areas of focus in terms of application orientation and Quantum AI

New exchange formats between research groups and R&D departments

Develop and establish new knowledge channels and co-creative exchange formats between research groups and R&D departments to build a network for the entire QC stack (e.g. supplier workshops)

Anchor a culture of open innovation in Quantum AI

Create incentives for industry to develop and use open-source algorithms by providing access to infrastructure, data and expertise (e. g. voucher system)
Build up an open-source community within the framework of project partnerships to continuously publish research results and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of commercial applications

Establish Bachelor's and Master's programs

Interdisciplinary schools

Seasonal schools provide comprehensive knowledge in four modules
Use cases demonstrate ways for industrial exploitation (e. g. simulation or QML)
External speakers will showcase applications (e. g. quantum chemistry)
Program will be regulated by a competitive application process for talented students

Supplementary QC modules for Bachelor's and Master's students

Development of a QC module for students in a Bachelor’s and Master’s program together with Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN)
The training program considers the requirements of workforce development for the region (e. g. engineering, computer science and quantum physics)
Possibility of part-time studies

International educational partnerships

Strategic partnerships create a strong and competitive educational environment, while at the same time aligning programs with the needs of the regional industry
Further complementary modules or joint degree programs are offered with international partners (e. g. Perimeter Scholars International Master’s program, Oxford University Quantum Tech Master’s Course)

Support doctoral studies

Doctoral studies partnerships in quantum computing

Support for cooperative doctoral studies between research organizations, universities and industrial companies as Double-/ Joint-PhD-Programs
Access to real-world use cases for doctoral students to improve their career opportunities in applied research
Scholarships and targeted programs for talented researchers to support doctoral studies in QC and Quantum AI

QC-specific graduate programs

Connect Quantum AI-specific graduate programs to other initiatives in Heilbronn (e. g. graduate schools)
Promotion of industrial internships through QC contact fair with regional universities
Option of a dual graduate program with industry partners to strengthen practical relevance and develop application-oriented use cases for research

Alumni network

Partner with existing initiatives to improve international and interdisciplinary exchange
Through collaboration with regional companies, trained specialists are retained in the region in the long term

Provide outreach and non-academic educational opportunities

Entry-level and in-depth guides to QC

Screening, evaluation and acquisition of training offers from established providers in quantum computing
Access to knowledge about quantum computing via existing online resources (e. g. KI-Campus-platform)
Provide practical insights for local stakeholders through free networking events and evening lectures (e. g. invite local service clubs)

New didactic concepts for science communications

Public science communications on second-generation quantum technologies
Design and realization of a mobile special exhibition using existing resources, networks and stakeholders in Heilbronn
Support early childhood education to broadly expand STEM expertise

Didactic concepts are constantly adapted to the needs of the QC ecosystem

Strengthen knowledge transfer and networking between industry and research in the Heilbronn knowledge hub through customized courses
Update the educational program based on the recommendations of the Advisory Board

Integration in companies through awareness & knowledge transfer

Neutral consulting office for companies

Low-threshold information events to assess technology trends and advice on regionally available resources
Focus on the needs of regional industries (e.g. retail, finance, etc.)
Trend monitoring for companies in the field of quantum computing
Neutrality through full funding and an appropriate pricing model

Quantum AI quick-scan for companies

Analyses for companies to improve the training of conventional networks through quantum computing (including cost-benefit analyses in terms of time and data volumes)
Supports companies in identifying potential opportunities and risks at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence

End-to-end integration of quantum solutions into industrial processes

Supports companies in integrating the solutions identified during the quick scan into existing IT systems and corporate structures and processes
Customer-centered approach with the needs of the target group as the starting point

Professional training programs and concepts for specialists

Intro courses on the basics of quantum technology

1-day short training course at management level for regional companies (including observation of relevant developments and identification of use cases) to increase understanding of the potential of QC.
3-day industry training courses based on the Fraunhofer IAO training program for Quantum Enthusiasts (e. g. physicists, software developers, students).

In-depth training on hardware, algorithms and applications

Training program for quantum enthusiasts with different levels of knowledge and positions in companies.
Focuses on qualification for application, especially for employees from departments directly relevant to implementation (from “Beginner” to “Quantum Professional”).

Continuous development of key competencies for industrial application

Enables industry-academia partnerships by supporting internships, gap years in companies, and student research projects in quantum computing to continuously integrate external knowledge into the regional enterprises.

Build lighthouse projects for tech. implementation of use cases

Use case identification and proof-of-concept

Matchmaking between QC applications and regionally represented industries (e. g. trade, finance, logistics, manufacturing)
Evaluate the potential for industrial implementation and define the scope for application-oriented research
Collective research projects are pursued in regional industry consortia to develop proof-of-concept for industry-relevant applications while reducing risks and costs

Pilot projects for efficient Quantum AI applications in individual companies

Customized ML and QML solutions are compared at individual pioneering companies to prove the feasibility of the application in principle
The basis for a regionally specific application portfolio is created

Scaling efficient Quantum AI applications across multiple organizations

Demonstrations of successful use cases as highly visible lighthouse projects or reference applications to integrate Quantum AI solutions into other companies
Encourages other companies to adopt the technology and adapt the concept to their individual environments

Promote development of business models for start-ups & spin-offs

Incubator program

Provision of a mentoring and coaching offer for those interested in founding a company and transitioning from the lab to a start-up
Collaborations with established startup and co-innovation hubs to establish technology-specific incubator program for the region
Integration of the program into the broader high-tech ecosystem to expand the pool of available expertise

Accelerator program

Implementation of boot camps to further develop business ideas and to support spin-offs or start-ups in scaling their business models
Enablement of early positioning for start-ups by match-making with regional industry players to collaboratively develop niche applications
Access to investor network for promising founders

Establishment of an innovation center for Quantum AI

Provide consultations (e.g. IP law) and access to infrastructural resources (e.g. venture capital, office space, computing power)
“Landing Pad” to attract international start-ups and spin-offs to the Heilbronn-Franken region
Cooperation with deep tech centers and provision of expertise for networking events

Create long-term financing instruments for start-ups

Creation of innovative funding instruments

Analysis of current funding sources and development of new, innovative funding schemes (e. g. corporate venture capital initiatives organized in consortia)
Focus on timely benefits for companies in the region in order to pragmatically integrate hybrid QC approaches into existing processes and systems

Design of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Follow-up funding of public research projects by private venture capitalists, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and hybrid funding models to create more risk-sensitive financial instruments (e. g. through pre-commercial procurement)

High-Potential Fund

Supports particularly promising start-ups in Heilbronn with a regionally anchored, long-term fund
Non-profit lead investor plays a central role next to further involvement of regional and national investors