FullStaQD Aims for Sovereign Quantum Computing Stack by 2029
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Fraunhofer IAO leads the FullStaQD flagship project, aiming to establish a comprehensive and sovereign quantum computing software infrastructure within Germany and Europe. This initiative builds upon the QCNext innovation concept to create a resilient reference architecture—an integrating framework linking existing solutions across all layers of the quantum computing software stack, from firmware to application. By addressing interface challenges and developing quasi-standardizations, FullStaQD intends to foster compatibility and interoperability, ultimately enabling the instantiation and validation of end-to-end software stacks for diverse industrial applications, with a project duration spanning from December 2025 to May 2029.
Establishing Quantum Computing Infrastructure Establishing a competitive position in quantum computing requires comprehensive and sovereign infrastructures in Germany and Europe. The FullStaQD flagship project aims to build this by creating a reference architecture—an overarching framework—to integrate existing quantum computing software stack solutions. This stack encompasses all components, from firmware to applications, needed for quantum computer development, operation, and use. Closing technical gaps will be achieved through the development of new components within this integrated framework. The FullStaQD project focuses on developing a “full stack” quantum computing software infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and interoperability between various components. This involves defining the reference architecture, including interface specifications, and designing the layers of the stack: Application, System, and Physical, alongside cross-layer concerns. Validation will be conducted through proof-of-concepts and practical use cases, establishing a software infrastructure equivalent to existing hardware. Knowledge transfer and networking are considered vital for the success of quantum technologies. Activities range from basic introductory knowledge to modular quantum computing training, consulting, and networking within a transregional ecosystem. Initiatives like the “QuantumBW Colloquium” promote scientific exchange on quantum technologies, contributing to expertise and competitiveness in the field, with the FullStaQD project running from December 2025 to May 2029. FullStaQD Project Methodology and Results The FullStaQD project aims to establish a competitive and sovereign quantum computing infrastructure in Germany, focusing on the entire quantum computing software stack—from firmware to application. Building upon the QCNext innovation concept, the project will create a “reference architecture” as an overarching framework. This involves linking existing software solutions and developing new components to close technical gaps, ultimately creating a resilient and integrated infrastructure for quantum computing applications. A core methodology within FullStaQD is the definition of this reference architecture, including specific interface specifications for each layer: Application, System, and Physical. The project also focuses on “cross-layer concerns” to ensure compatibility and interoperability. Validating this architecture involves testing instantiated software stack instances through practical use cases, proving the functionality of specific components and the overall infrastructure’s effectiveness. The ultimate result of the FullStaQD lighthouse project is a holistic quantum computing software stack—a “full stack”—on par with existing hardware. By prioritizing compatibility and interoperability, the project intends to overcome the limitations of currently unconnected solutions in Germany, representing a significant step toward utilizing quantum computing within German industry and fostering a broader, more cohesive quantum computing landscape.
Quantum Technology Knowledge Transfer and Training The FullStaQD project addresses a key challenge: transferring existing knowledge about the quantum computing software stack into a consistent framework. This stack encompasses all components – from firmware to application – needed for quantum computer development, operation, and use. Establishing a resilient reference architecture is central, linking existing solutions and filling technical gaps with newly developed components. This integrated approach aims to create a holistic infrastructure for quantum computing software. FullStaQD prioritizes compatibility and interoperability to build a “full stack” quantum computing software infrastructure. The project is structured around defining a reference architecture, including interface specifications, and designing layers—Application, System, and Physical—with consideration for cross-layer concerns. Validating specific stack instantiations through practical use cases confirms functionality and moves the field forward in Germany. Knowledge transfer and networking are considered key to the success of quantum technologies, and are a focus of the initiative. Activities range from providing basic introductory knowledge to modular quantum computing training, alongside consulting and networking within a transregional ecosystem. The “QuantumBW Colloquium” specifically promotes scientific exchange on quantum technologies, fostering expertise and competitiveness in the region and beyond. One of the key challenges is to transfer existing knowledge about the various layers of the quantum computing software stack into a consistent, communicable framework. Source: https://www.digital.iao.fraunhofer.de/en/competences/quantum-computing/FullStaQD.html Tags: