Launch of JION quantum computer in Germany

Forschungszentrum Jülich and the startup eleQtron have launched JION, a trapped-ion quantum computer located in North Rhine-Westphalia. The system, which stands for ‘Jülich trapped-ION quantum computer’, uses ionized ytterbium atoms held by electromagnetic fields to perform gate-based computations. This technology utilizes MAGIC (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) technology to control qubits via microwaves and magnetic field gradients, offering high stability and low error rates without requiring temperatures near absolute zero.

JION is being integrated into the JUNIQ user infrastructure at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre. This integration allows for hybrid quantum-classical computations, enabling researchers to offload specific operations from classical supercomputers to the quantum system.

The development was part of the EPIQ project, supported by approximately €21 million from the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia. Additional regional quantum research funding includes up to €25 million in EU funds for the SQALING project and up to €35 million for the Q-STAR project.