European Union Chooses SUPREME Consortium to Advance Quantum Chip Production
SUPREME Consortium: A Leap Forward in Quantum Technology
The European Union has made a significant move by appointing the SUPREME consortium to spearhead the industrial production of superconducting quantum chips. This initiative, coordinated by VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland), aims to develop robust fabrication processes that enhance the yield and repeatability of these chips. This effort is set to benefit academia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large organizations throughout Europe, paving the way for advancement in fields such as quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
A Collaborative Effort
The SUPREME project is a grand collaborative effort involving 23 partners from eight different EU Member States, indicating the level of commitment and expertise that Europe is willing to dedicate towards advancing its quantum technology landscape. By forming a consortium that includes research organizations, academia, and both large and small enterprises, SUPREME is poised to bring groundbreaking technologies to life in the upcoming years.
Pekka Pursula, the director for Microeconomics and Quantum Research at VTT, highlighted the consortium's goal of pushing the boundaries of quantum capabilities. Through this project, the intent is not only to refine the existing fabrication processes but also to support the development of an entire ecosystem poised for innovation within the field of quantum technologies.
Innovations in Quantum Chip Production
The umbrella of technologies being tackled by SUPREME includes advanced techniques such as angle-evaporated and etched Josephson junctions, as well as 3D integration methods. These technologies will be critical to validating pilot line demonstrators, particularly those involving 3D-integrated qubit assemblies that will serve larger-scale Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). The incorporation of travelling wave parametric amplifiers (TPWA) and superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) also presents exciting avenues for research and application.
Jorden Senior, who leads the Research Team for Quantum Computing Hardware at VTT and manages technical aspects of SUPREME, emphasized the importance of overcoming stability and yield challenges that have historically hindered the scalability of quantum technologies. The team's focus on developing optimal Josephson junctions balances both coherence and manufacturability—two critical elements that will define Europe’s competitiveness in the global quantum hardware race.
Pilot Line Development: A Key to Industrialization
A significant component of the SUPREME initiative is the establishment of pilot lines that facilitate the technology development necessary for moving from research prototypes to industrial applications. Engaging in dialogue with industrial foundries is essential, aiming to ensure that there's a viable supply chain when it comes to the manufacturing of quantum chips.
Access to stable fabrication processes will put all stakeholders—European academia, SMEs, and larger industries—on a level playing field, enabling them to design and develop their own unique devices and systems with process design kits (PDKs). This initiative is not just about technology transfer; it's about building a robust European ecosystem that drives innovation forward.
Pursula articulated the broad impact of establishing comprehensive PDKs and stable processing capability, ensuring that companies can focus on innovating rather than duplicating existing production processes.
Future Steps and Roadmap
The Chips Joint Undertaking has formally approved the Framework Partnership Agreement, marking a crucial milestone for SUPREME. This roadmap outlines the execution of the project in two distinct phases, funded through specific grants, to catalyze the pilot line that is set to take off in early 2026. The consortium plans to have its first technologies accessible to external users as early as 2027.
The collaborative, multidisciplinary nature of the SUPREME consortium, including premier names in research, technological development, and industry, signals a promising future for Europe's ambition in the quantum domain. As Europe strives to establish itself as a leader in this competitive field, projects like SUPREME are not just necessary—they are imperative to secure a strong foothold in the technology landscape of tomorrow.