Hamburg Senate approves 34 million package for quantum computing
The Hamburg Senate this week approved a four-part package of measures to strengthen the quantum computing ecosystem in Hamburg. Around 34.1 million euros are to be made available for this purpose in the period from 2023 to 2028. The city of Hamburg will provide a share of around 25.1 million euros. The funding is an important component in positioning Hamburg successfully as a location in the global race for this future technology. Startups can also benefit from the program.
Quantum computing speeds up computing processes many times over
Quantum computing is regarded as a powerful key technology that can contribute significantly to solving increasingly complex problems of the 21st century. The expectation is that quantum computers can perform calculations and simulations in minutes that take conventional computers months to years. For example, complex traffic flows in large cities or logistics can be optimized, such as by calculating the best routes in real time. Since the processing of large volumes of data, for example with the help of artificial intelligence, is part of the business model of many startups, the technology will also play an increasingly important role here in the future. A quantum ecosystem in Hamburg could make the location even more attractive for new settlements of companies from this business area.
These measures are planned
The package of measures comprises four elements. As the most relevant component for startups, a "Quantum Computing Funding Initiative" will be implemented within IFB Hamburg's proven innovation funding programs for startups and research and development projects. The funds made available for this purpose in the amount of 10 million euros are to be used to provide targeted support for innovative quantum computing projects. This funding is to be integrated in particular into the existing InnoFounder and InnoRampup funding programs for startups as well as in the Program for Innovation (PROFI), which also funds projects by existing companies in cooperation with universities and research institutions.
19.1 million euros will go toward establishing the Hamburg Quantum Computing School (HQS). This is a major project jointly run by the University of Hamburg and the Technical University of Hamburg, which aims to train urgently needed specialists and managers in quantum computing. The project "Quantum Computing for Shipping and Maritime Logistics in Hamburg (QSH)" at the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) is being supported with two million euros. Three million euros will go toward expanding the Hamburg Quantum Innovation Capital Initiative (HQIC).
