EU Consortium Launches €25 Million Initiative for Quantum Technology

The European Union is investing an additional €25 million in the SUPREME consortium, aimed at advancing superconducting quantum technology. This funding will enhance industry and academic access to these cutting-edge technologies, with the first phase expected to begin in early 2026 and last for three and a half years.

The initiative focuses on the development of a 3D-integrated qubit module that will contain 200 qubits. This module is anticipated to demonstrate significant improvements in stability, yield, and reproducibility of key fabrication processes essential for superconducting quantum chips. The SUPREME project plans to explore various quantum processes, including angle-evaporated junctions, etched junctions, and hybrid processes. These advancements will have applications in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication.

Goals and Milestones of SUPREME

A key objective of the SUPREME initiative is to achieve a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 and a manufacturing readiness level (MRL) of 6. These benchmarks indicate that the technology will be sufficiently developed for practical application and production. The consortium aims to facilitate this by making its fabrication processes available to businesses through piloting services.

Companies will gain access to these technologies via Process Design Kits (PDKs), pilot runs, and shared wafer runs. This approach allows businesses to design and create their own quantum devices and systems, fostering innovation in the burgeoning field of quantum technology.

The SUPREME consortium comprises several member states committed to industrializing superconducting quantum technology. This collaborative effort is expected to position Europe at the forefront of quantum research and development, enabling a range of industries to leverage these advanced technologies for future innovations.

With the global quantum technology market on the rise, initiatives like SUPREME will play a crucial role in ensuring that Europe remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field. As the project progresses, it will provide valuable insights and capabilities that could shape the future of quantum applications across various sectors.