German computing conferences spotlight AI, quantum and HPC advances

In Freiburg, the annual Developer Conference of the Baden‑Württemberg Quantum Computing project (KQCBW) gathered researchers and industry partners to discuss practical quantum algorithms, hardware scaling and drug‑discovery applications. Sessions covered algorithmic improvements for chemical simulations, progress on the QRydDemo processor with over 500 neutral‑atom qubits, and software sustainability initiatives based on FAIR data principles. Boehringer Ingelheim highlighted the pharmaceutical industry's demand for usable quantum algorithms.

From 14‑17 September 2026 in Paderborn, the National High‑Performance Computing (NHR) conference brought together scholars, engineers and decision‑makers to explore the convergence of AI, simulation and emerging hardware. Topics included reduced‑precision computing formats (FP16, FP8), decision‑intelligence for complex systems, digital twins, large‑language‑model‑driven scenario analysis, and advances in atomistic simulations. The University of Paderborn showcased its Noctua 2 and Otus supercomputers, which support research in quantum science, materials and sustainable energy.

Both events underscored Germany’s coordinated efforts to accelerate cutting‑edge computing technologies across academia and industry.