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INQUBATOR, Fraunhofer's quantum computing consulting and testing center, offers businesses an practical and cost-effective access to quantum computing. Starting immediately, companies of all sizes can apply with their use cases to develop customized solutions in collaboration with Fraunhofer partners and test the potential of quantum algorithms. The application deadline is August 31, 2026.
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GaN power electronics combines performance, efficiency, and cost advantages and plays a central technological role in the energy transition. At PCIM Expo & Conference 2026 in Nuremberg from June 9 to 11, Fraunhofer IAF will present the latest developments in the field of GaN power electronics—with the highlight being a demonstrator of a bidirectional, single-phase 800 V DC charger for electric vehicles. It was developed by project partner Ambibox as part of the BMWE project GaN4EmoBiL and incorporates a 1200 V GaN module from Fraunhofer IAF.
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Fraunhofer is making hydrogen applications safer and more cost-effective: In the RADIANT joint project, Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, and Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics CAP (Glasgow, UK) are developing a novel, compact Raman LiDAR system. It reliably detects gas leakages, particularly hydrogen, from a distance, even under challenging environmental conditions. For operators of energy facilities and industrial process environments, this means early detection without risk to personnel, continuous monitoring, and scalable solutions for real-world deployment.
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In addition to immediate health risks, UV radiation also poses indirect hazards: it corrodes surface coatings on exposed objects (e.g., on aircraft and bridges) and attacks the coated materials. The underlying molecular processes (polymer degradation) are extremely complex. Therefore, a consortium coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF is working within the framework of the BMFTR-funded QPolyDeg project to develop novel quantum algorithms for simulating polymer degradation. Quantum chemical calculations are intended to enable more durable coatings for industrial applications.
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In April, SPINS (Semiconductor Pilot line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems) was launched, one of the 6 European quantum pilot lines. Coordinated by imec, the consortium brings together 25 European RTOs, industry partners, and academic research groups to strengthen Europe’s leadership and sovereignty in this strategically important domain. The €50 million SPINS pilot line project has been made possible through the co‑funding support from the European Union’s Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the national and regional authorities of the participating Member States.
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Fraunhofer IAF and IIS are starting to establish the Chip AI research and innovation center as part of the Fraunhofer HNFIZ in Heilbronn in 2026. The focus of the center will be on developing innovative chip designs for and with AI. The center is part of the Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers HNFIZ and is funded via the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. The Chip AI research and innovation center relies on close cooperation with stakeholders of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI).
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The European Union has granted EUR 25 million to the SUPREME consortium, marking a significant milestone in industrialization of superconducting quantum technologies across Europe. Together with national funding from the member states, the total funding adds up to 50 million Euros. Key objectives of the initiative include developing stable superconducting technology and giving access to it for both industry and academia. The first phase will commence in early 2026 and span three and a half years, bringing together 23 partners from eight Member States.
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Due to their error-prone hardware, quantum computers have not yet found practical use. One promising solution is quantum error correction: special methods are used to find and correct errors in the calculations of quantum computers in order to achieve reliable results. In the snaQCs2025 project, neQxt GmbH, Fraunhofer IAF and Point 8 GmbH are working on the coordinated development of quantum error correction methods and quantum algorithms. The project aims at significantly advancing the practical applicability of quantum computers. The project kick-off took place in Cologne on January 14, 2026. The BMFTR is funding snaQCs with €2.5 million over three years.
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Fraunhofer IAF and the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy have provided 145 high-performance low-noise amplifiers for the ALMA radio telescope array in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The amplifiers are based on InGaAs mHEMT MMICs and are essential components of the high-frequency receivers for the wavelength range between 2.6 and 4.5 mm (frequency range: 67–116 GHz, known as Band 2). They will enable ALMA to perform more precise measurements of objects and galaxies in the universe in order to gain new information about the formation of stars, planets and life. The amplifiers delivered complete ALMA, which began scientific operations in 2011 and has been gradually expanded since then.
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The Fraunhofer Industrial Quantum Computing Consulting and Testing Center INQUBATOR is implementing innovative, easy access offerings to help industrial users get started with quantum computing. The aim is to identify and evaluate new application-related use cases where the use of quantum computers promises a foreseeable advantage. Close cooperation with industry will enable the development of innovative solutions that will secure the competitiveness of the German economy. The institutes Fraunhofer IAF, IAO, ITWM, and IPA are jointly conducting the four-year project.
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Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF