Led by Juris Ulmanis, QCDC Project Leader and Director of Quantum Technologies at Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) in Innsbruck, the EU-funded QCDC initiative has launched a cloud-based quantum computing service giving European researchers access to trapped-ion quantum computers. In collaboration with QC Ware (USA), Covestro (Germany), and Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), the team used the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm to calculate molecular interaction energies—key to understanding complex chemical reactions like those in the Nitrogen Cycle—even on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, with results closely matching classical calculations. The QCDC project aims to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty, provide local quantum computing access, reduce reliance on non-EU providers, and foster independent innovation in fields such as drug discovery and materials science.

The QCDC (Quantum Computers for Datacentres) project has successfully established a cloud-based trapped-ion quantum computing service in Europe, funded by the European Innovation Council. This platform provides researchers with access to advanced quantum devices on European soil, marking a major step in enhancing Europe’s quantum capabilities, strengthening technological sovereignty, and reducing dependence on non-EU providers.

Figure 1. Europe Gains Cloud Access to Quantum Computers via AQT-Led QCDC

The initiative brought together Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) of Innsbruck, specializing in general-purpose ion-trap quantum computing, with QC Ware (USA), Covestro (Germany), and Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany). The team used the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) algorithm to simulate molecular interaction energies, optimizing trial states to find the lowest-energy configurations. Even on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, the results closely matched classical computations, demonstrating the accuracy and potential of early-stage quantum computers. Figure 1. Europe Gains Cloud Access to Quantum Computers via AQT-Led QCDC.

Juris Ulmanis, QCDC Project Leader and Director of Quantum Technologies at AQT, highlighted that the project has allowed researchers to tackle problems previously beyond the reach of quantum computers. He emphasized the vast potential of quantum computing in areas such as drug discovery, materials design, and sustainability, noting that the initiative equips researchers with advanced tools to address complex global challenges and accelerate innovation across multiple industries.

Essential Highlights

Quantum computers use the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways that traditional computers cannot, enabling calculations that may be impossible on classical systems. Unlike conventional computers, which process data sequentially, quantum machines exploit quantum entanglement to evaluate many possible solutions simultaneously, making them exceptionally suited for simulating complex systems such as molecules and materials with high speed and accuracy.

To put this into perspective, the computing power of an entire large-scale data centre may not match that of a single fully operational quantum computer. These advanced computations, difficult even for supercomputers, are expected to be achievable with quantum systems developed by Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), an Innsbruck-based company specializing in general-purpose ion-trap quantum computing.

Quantum computers harness quantum mechanics to process information in ways that traditional computers cannot, enabling calculations that may be infeasible for classical systems. Unlike conventional computers, which operate sequentially, quantum machines use quantum entanglement to evaluate multiple solutions simultaneously, making them ideal for simulating complex systems such as molecules and materials with high speed and precision.

The computational power of a single quantum computer can surpass that of an entire large-scale data centre. These advanced capabilities, once challenging even for supercomputers, are being realized by Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), an Innsbruck-based company specializing in general-purpose ion-trap quantum computing.

Through the QCDC project, researchers have gained access to these powerful systems, accelerating progress in drug development and opening new opportunities in materials science, including energy storage, sustainability, and manufacturing [1]. The project represents a major step toward establishing Europe as a leader in quantum computing, enhancing technological sovereignty by providing local access to world-class quantum infrastructure, reducing dependence on non-EU providers, and enabling European researchers and industries to innovate independently while safeguarding critical data and research.

Juris Ulmanis, QCDC Project Leader and Director of Quantum Technologies at Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), highlighted that the project marks a major step in making quantum computing a practical tool for European researchers. By granting access to AQT’s advanced quantum technology, scientists were able to tackle problems previously beyond the reach of quantum computers, with potential applications across drug discovery, materials design, and sustainability.

The completion of the QCDC project represents a significant advancement for Europe in positioning itself as a leader in quantum computing. The initiative strengthened Europe’s technological sovereignty by providing local access to cutting-edge quantum capabilities, reducing reliance on non-EU providers, fostering independent innovation among researchers and industries, and safeguarding critical data and research from external influence.

References:

1. https://quantumzeitgeist.com/aqt-led-qcdc-project-grants-europe-cloud-access-to-quantum-computers/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2025), AQT-Led QCDC Project Provides Europe Cloud Access to Quantum Computers, AnaTechMaz, pp.367