Forschungszentrum Jülich and eleQtron launch JION quantum computer

Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Siegen-based startup eleQtron have launched JION, a trapped-ion quantum computer. The system utilizes ionized ytterbium atoms held by electromagnetic fields within a vacuum to perform gate-based computations. Unlike superconducting systems, this technology does not require operation at temperatures near absolute zero.

JION is being integrated into the JUNIQ user infrastructure at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, allowing for hybrid quantum-classical computations. The development of the system is part of the EPIQ project, which received approximately €21 million in funding from the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia.

During the inauguration, North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst also highlighted additional funding for quantum research in the region. This includes up to €25 million in EU funds for the SQALING project to develop chip-based ion trap platforms, and up to €35 million for the Q-STAR project.