Behind in Quantum Computer Race, Germany Gets Boost From IBM

Behind in Quantum Computer Race, Germany Gets Boost From IBM
The Governor of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, front left, and Martin Jetter, front right, CEO of IBM Europe, attend the official inauguration of the first commercially used quantum computer in Europe in Ehningen, Germany, on June 15, 2021. Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

BERLIN—IBM on Tuesday unveiled one of Europe’s most powerful quantum computers in Germany, boosting the country’s efforts to stay in the race for what’s considered a key technology of the future.

Quantum computers use subatomic particles to get around the limitations of traditional physics and perform calculations at far higher speeds than even the fastest existing supercomputers. While this was long seen as the preserve of arcane research, companies are increasingly hoping to harness quantum computers to develop new materials, drugs, or artificial intelligence applications.