The Annual Meeting in Eichstätt is a fixed date in the fall calendar of MQV members. For the scientists, the small Upper Bavarian town has become synonymous with the annual internal exchange, which set a new record this year with around 200 participants.
In their presentations, the scientists provided deep insights into current MQV research. Starting with work on superconducting qubits and neutral atom qubits—the two key hardware technologies for quantum computing at MQV—through advances in quantum computing theory, quantum algorithms, and application-oriented research, to the development of a comprehensive software library for quantum computers. Questions about realistic, near-term applications, process automation, and access to quantum computers for external users are playing an increasingly important role and highlight the progress made in recent years.
In addition to the presentations in a large audience in the packed Stadttheater, both by individual consortia and across consortia for the so-called cross-sectional topics, there was again this year the opportunity to explore individual topics in more depth in small groups. The strength of the MQV in constructively connecting researchers from different disciplines, with short distances – both physically and figuratively – to create a common MQV quantum ecosystem, was particularly evident. “That's why I love MQV,” enthuses Robert Wille, holder of the Chair of Design Automation at the Technical University of Munich. “We make this possible because we have access to all of us here.”
Finally, a look was taken at the future of Munich Quantum Valley beyond the current project period, which runs until 2026. The excellent foundation for this has already been laid. Tirtha Som, Science Manager at the MQV office, emphasizes the growing community spirit that goes beyond mere technology and sums it up: “We have not only developed demonstrators and enabling technologies for quantum hardware, but also built a vibrant ecosystem, including a strong software ecosystem, thus laying the foundation for the lasting significance of Munich Quantum Valley.”