Research factory for quantum and neuromorphic computing: Germany-wide cooperation “FMD-QNC” launched
In order to bundle and expand the existing microelectronic research and development in Germany with regard to quantum and neuromorphic computing, FMD started a joint project with four other Fraunhofer institutes, Forschungszentrum Jülich and AMO GmbH on December 1, 2022: The “Research Factory Microelectronics Germany – Module Quantum and Neuromorphic Computing”. The equipment and structural setup required for this is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. (Source: Forschungszentrum Jülich – Press releases)
Computationally intensive technologies and applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), edge data processing or the optimization of complex systems are increasingly pushing classical digital computers to their performance limits. A promising approach to solving this problem is offered by so-called quantum computing (QC) and neuromorphic computing (NC). They are considered to be the essential foundations for the new computing technologies (Next Generation Computing), without which many competition- and safety-critical applications cannot be realized in the future.
Contributing to the development of the future hardware basis for Next Generation Computing with “FMD-QNC
Currently, many basic research projects in Germany are working on QC and NC. However, there is still a lack of opportunities for application-oriented testing of the hardware developments required for the highly complex computing technologies and for rapid implementation of the results in prototypes and small series. In order to provide researchers and companies with the best possible support in the development of customized microelectronics and scalable manufacturing and integration processes for the new computing technologies, the Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland (FMD), which is already established as a one-stop store for microelectronics and nanoelectronics research, is being expanded to include the “Quantum and Neuromorphic Computing” (QNC) module. For this purpose, for example, the equipment parks and various production lines of the participating partners as well as the range of competencies of the 13 FMD institutes will be expanded by integrating the Fraunhofer institutes IMWS, IOF, IPM and ILT as well as the Research Center Jülich and AMO GmbH. Based on the cross-organizational and cross-location competencies created with the FMD, the planned FMD-QNC project can be implemented in a targeted and efficient manner. In addition to research activities and application-oriented testing of developments relevant to QC and NC, a “QNC operator model” and a “Microelectronics Academy” are two further components of the overall FMD-QNC project.
European research organizations network for current and future challenges in electronics research
At the European level, FMD-QNC is complemented by the “PREVAIL” project, which is being launched at the same time. In the project, the four European research organizations CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer, imec and VTT are working together to create a networked 300-mm technology platform for the production of chip prototypes for advanced applications of artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing. The planned project activities within PREVAIL and FMD-QNC will be synergistically networked and are important preparations for the technological foundation of the “European Chips Act”.
The FMD-QNC project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Cooperation partners of the FMD-QNC
AMO GmbH, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Fraunhofer EMFT, Fraunhofer ENAS, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH, Fraunhofer FHR, Fraunhofer HHI, Fraunhofer IAF, IHP GmbH, Fraunhofer IIS, Fraunhofer IISB, Fraunhofer IMS, Fraunhofer IMWS, Fraunhofer IOF, Fraunhofer IPM, Fraunhofer IPMS, Fraunhofer ILT, Fraunhofer ISIT, Fraunhofer IZM.
The original press release can be found at:
Forschungsfabrik für Quanten- und neuromorphes Computing: Deutschlandweite Kooperation »FMD-QNC« gestartet (only in german)
Localization in the Helmholtz Research Field Information:
Helmholtz Research Field Information, Program 2: Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing, Topic 2: Quantum Computing & Topic 3: Neuromorphic Computing and Network Dynamics
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Detlef Grützmacher
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)
Semiconductor Nanoelectronics (PGI-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-2340
E-Mail: d.gruetzmacher@fz-juelich.de
Prof. Dr. Rainer Waser
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)
Electronic Materials (PGI-7)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-5811
E-Mail: r.waser@fz-juelich.de
Prof. Dr. Rainer Waser
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)
JARA-Institut Energy-efficient information technology (PGI-10)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-6505
E-Mail: su.hoffmann@fz-juelich.de
Contact for this Press Release:
Tobias Schlößer
Press Officer
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-4771
E-Mail: t.schloesser@fz-juelich.de
