New concepts for the development of quantum software.
Professor Ina Schaefer Coordinates New DFG Priority Programme at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Quantum computers are seen as a breakthrough technology for solving computing problems that are beyond conventional means. A significant step towards this vision has been made with the development of quantum hardware that enables medium-sized quantum devices. However, the full potential of this hardware has yet to be realised and fundamental research into method development is essential. As with conventional computers, the computing potential of quantum computers can only be realised with well-functioning quantum software.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has now launched the Priority Programme (SPP) "Quantum Software, Algorithms and Systems - Concepts, Methods and Tools for the Quantum Software Stack", which will start next year. It will take an interdisciplinary approach to foster the development of methodological building blocks along the entire quantum software stack. This programme integrates ideas from computer science, physics, mathematics and engineering and aims to overcome the barriers to developing a complete stack for quantum computing.

"As in classical computing, the added value in quantum computing is expected to come from the software that will run on the quantum hardware when it is fully developed. Therefore, it is high time to develop methods and tools for the quantum software stack in order to exploit the potential of future quantum hardware," explains programme coordinator Professor Ina Schaefer from the KASTEL Institute of Information Security and Dependability at KIT.

In addition, hybrid quantum/classical computations will be integrated and the development of hybrid quantum computing systems will be supported, including hardware/software codesign and electronic design automation (EDA) principles. The evaluation of the developed concepts, methods and tools will be ensured by appropriate verification and validation techniques for quantum software and systems.

This Priority Programme aims to achieve scientific progress in the entire field of quantum software and to make a significant contribution to the development of future quantum computing technologies.
The DFG has established a total of eleven new Priority Programmes across Germany. Approximately 72 million euros are available for these programmes. The programmes are initially set up for a funding period of three years. Priority Programmes are designed to work on topics that are expected to have a formative effect on a scientific field. This can be achieved by exploring new areas of research or by approaching known areas from a different perspective or with a new approach. In addition, Priority Programmes are characterised by interdisciplinary and cross-location collaboration between researchers.