Forschungszentrum Jülich and eleQtron launch JION trapped-ion quantum computer

Image: Copyright: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Kurt Steinhausen Copyright: Sichtplan · fz-juelich.de Forschungszentrum Jülich and eleQtron have launched JION, a trapped-ion quantum computer built on ionized ytterbium atoms, a technology differing from superconducting systems that do not require operation at temperatures near absolute zero. Developed in North Rhine-Westphalia, JION will integrate with Jülich’s existing supercomputers through the JUNIQ user infrastructure, enabling hybrid quantum-classical computations for researchers and industry, the company says. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst hailed JION as emphasizing the collaboration between politics, research, and industry that brought the system to life. JION is realized as part of the EPIQ project, funded with around € 21 million from the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. EPIQ was born out of the quantum computing network “EIN Quantum NRW”. JONI: Inauguration of Jülich’s Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer JION, the newly inaugurated quantum computer at Jülich Supercomputing Centre, utilizes ionized ytterbium atoms as qubits, a distinct approach from superconducting systems requiring near-absolute zero temperatures. This foundational choice impacts the computer’s operational requirements and potential scalability, positioning JION within a growing diversity of quantum computing architectures. Copyright: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Kurt Steinhausen Copyright: Sichtplan · Source: fz-juelich.de The system’s qubits are held and controlled by electromagnetic fields within a vacuum, enabling precise computations, and marking a key engineering achievement in trapped-ion technology, according to JUNIQ. The launch event underscored the collaborative investment in quantum computing within North Rhine-Westphalia, with Minister-President Hendrik Wüst and Science Minister Ina Brandes in attendance. This political support is directly linked to JION’s development, originating from the quantum computing network and evolving into a fully operational system at Forschungszentrum Jülich. “With JION, we are bringing together a quantum computer developed in North Rhine-Westphalia with our high-performance supercomputing infrastructure here at Jülich,” explained Astrid Lambrecht, Chair of the Board of Directors at Forschungszentrum Jülich. “In doing so, we are creating the conditions for combining quantum computing and high-performance computing, allowing us to use quantum computing to address specific problems in research and industry.” This integration is facilitated by the JUNIQ user infrastructure, which provides access to multiple quantum computers for performance comparison. JUNIQ’s role extends beyond simple access; it enables hybrid computations, linking JION’s quantum processing capabilities with Jülich’s existing supercomputers, the firm reports. Potential applications span optimization problems in logistics and transport, alongside advancements in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, materials research, and machine learning. Fast, resource-efficient computers will be the key to innovations that make people’s lives better and safer in the future – in medicine, materials research, and cyber security. By integrating JION into Forschungszentrum Jülich’s computing network, we are creating unique opportunities across Germany for science and industry to accelerate innovation. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved who have made this milestone possible: Forschungszentrum Jülich, eleQtron – the start-up founded by the University of Siegen – and the “EIN Quantum NRW” platform, which has contributed significantly to the success of this project by bringing all stakeholders together. MAGIC Technology Enables Ytterbium Qubit Control in JION JION distinguishes itself from many quantum computing approaches by utilizing ionized ytterbium atoms as qubits, a design choice that avoids the need for the extremely low temperatures required by superconducting systems. This operational flexibility stems from the implementation of magnetic gradient induced coupling (MAGIC) technology, originally developed in Siegen, which allows for precise qubit control. Microwaves and carefully calibrated variations in magnetic fields manipulate individual qubits and establish direct connections between them, simplifying the control mechanisms and potentially paving the way for larger, more complex quantum processors. The MAGIC technology’s ability to individually address and connect qubits represents an advancement in trapped-ion quantum computing, as it streamlines the complex task of managing quantum information.

Jan Henrik Leisse, co-founder and CEO of eleQtron, explained that, “With JION, we are integrating our trapped-ion and MAGIC technology into one of Europe’s leading user infrastructures for quantum computing.” This integration with the Jülich Supercomputing Centre is not merely about co-location; it establishes a platform for developing hybrid computing architectures, combining the strengths of both quantum and classical processing. Kristel Michielsen, head of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, further elaborated on this connection, stating, “Together with the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, we are creating the conditions to further develop the system, integrate it into hybrid computing architectures, and ultimately make it accessible to industry and science.” Beyond JION’s immediate capabilities, the development of this technology is intended to drive the creation of scalable, chip-based quantum computing platforms. The current project, alongside the subsequent SQALING initiative, aims to solidify Germany’s position in quantum technology and foster economic growth. Minister-President Wüst and Minister Brandes highlighted JION’s importance to North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasizing its role as a hub for both research and industrial development. The launch event itself included a public demonstration of JION’s computational power, showcasing a working system and signaling a commitment to translating research into tangible applications. The funding approval for Q-STAR. NRW, aimed at integrating a scalable semiconductor quantum computer into the JUNIQ infrastructure, underscores this long-term vision for a comprehensive quantum ecosystem. With JION, we are bringing together a quantum computer developed in North Rhine-Westphalia with our high-performance supercomputing infrastructure here at Jülich. In doing so, we are creating the conditions for combining quantum computing and high-performance computing, allowing us to use quantum computing to address specific problems in research and industry. EPIQ Project Delivers Fully Operational JION System The EPIQ project, a partnership between Jülich and eleQtron, initially announced plans to build a modular supercomputer integrating quantum and classical digital modules, and has now delivered on that promise with a functioning system. The JUNIQ user infrastructure is central to JION’s utility, extending its role beyond a mere demonstrator and solidifying Jülich’s position as a hub for quantum computing integration and benchmarking, the company states. Beyond access, the EPIQ project will also offer service, support, and training to users from science and industry, facilitating broader adoption and expertise in quantum computing techniques. Looking ahead, the SQALING initiative, recently approved for funding, aims to scale JION’s capabilities further. With up to around € 25 million in funding from EU sources through the ERDF/JTF programme in NRW, eleQtron’s independent development project intends to integrate a system with up to 200 qubits. NRW is designed to strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia’s technological sovereignty and establish a robust innovation ecosystem for quantum computing, positioning the Rhenish mining area as a high-tech location. The EPIQ project was born out of the quantum computing network, demonstrating a commitment to fostering quantum technology within the region. The project’s regional impact was highlighted, while the funding for SQALING signals continued investment in scaling quantum capabilities and driving industrial applications. The combined efforts of EPIQ and SQALING suggest a long-term strategy to establish North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading center for quantum computing innovation and deployment. With JION, we are integrating our trapped-ion and MAGIC technology into one of Europe’s leading user infrastructures for quantum computing. Together with the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, we are creating the conditions to further develop the system, integrate it into hybrid computing architectures, and ultimately make it accessible to industry and science. JUNIQ Integrates JION for Hybrid HPC-Quantum Workflows JUNIQ now incorporates JION, enabling a unique computational approach by linking a trapped-ion quantum computer to Jülich’s established supercomputing resources. This integration moves beyond simply offering access to quantum hardware; it facilitates the testing of hybrid workflows where specific calculations are offloaded from classical high-performance computing (HPC) systems to the quantum processor. Researchers and companies can now explore how to best use both architectures, preparing applications for future quantum advantage. The ability to combine JION’s capabilities with those of Jülich’s supercomputers is central to the JUNIQ infrastructure, which provides access to a variety of quantum systems for performance comparison. This connection allows for a modular approach, where computationally intensive tasks can be directed to the most suitable processing unit. The NRW project, which seeks to integrate a scalable semiconductor quantum computer into JUNIQ, reinforces a long-term strategy for quantum computing development in the region. JUNIQ provides access to a range of quantum computers and allows their performance to be compared. With JION, we are expanding this unique user platform to include a trapped-ion system from North Rhine-Westphalia and connecting it to our HPC infrastructure – for research and industrial applications. Source: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/news/archive/press-release/2026/launch-jion-quantum-computer-juelich More like thisQuantum Computing Business NewsForschungszentrum Jülich Launches IceCirc Quantum Chip FirmQuantum EducationJUNIQ Platform Powers Hands-On Quantum Computing Summer SchoolQuantum Funding LandscapeQSolid: Germany’s Optimized Qubit Quantum PrototypeQuantum Computing Business NewseleQtron’s €54M Contracts Signal Strong Quantum Computing Commercial DemandStay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: