Fraunhofer Joins EU SUPREME Consortium For Superconducting Quantum Chips

Advancing European Quantum Sovereignty: How the SUPREME Consortium Outpaces Global Competition in Superconducting Technology
The global race for quantum supremacy is often hindered by the transition from laboratory prototypes to industrial-scale production. While many international initiatives remain confined to experimental environments, the European SUPREME (Superconducting European Quantum Pilot Line) consortium is establishing a distinct competitive advantage by building the continent’s first industrial-grade pilot line for superconducting quantum chips. By prioritizing high-volume stability, repeatability, and yield, this initiative ensures that European technology does not just match global research standards but exceeds them in manufacturing readiness and commercial accessibility.

Industrializing Superconducting Quantum Hardware
To address the stability and scaling challenges that often limit current quantum hardware, the SUPREME project focuses on maturing superconducting technology to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) and Manufacturing Readiness Level 6 (MRL 6). Unlike many competing global efforts that rely on custom, one-off fabrication, the consortium utilizes industry-compatible manufacturing processes. This includes the development of advanced Josephson junctions through angle-evaporated and etched techniques, alongside 3D integration methods. A primary milestone of this work is the demonstration of a 3D-integrated qubit module containing 200 qubits, serving as a benchmark for the reliability and scalability required for fault-tolerant quantum systems.

A New Standard for Accessibility and Ecosystem Growth
A key differentiator for SUPREME is its open-access model, which lowers the barrier to entry for the private sector. Through the implementation of Process Design Kits (PDKs) and Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) runs, the consortium provides European SMEs, startups, and large enterprises with the tools to design and fabricate proprietary quantum devices without the need for prohibitive capital investment in cleanroom infrastructure. This centralized approach, managed via a dedicated Service Office, allows companies to focus on architectural innovation while relying on a stable, validated fabrication back-end.

Bridging Research and Large-Scale Manufacturing
The involvement of the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) further distinguishes the European approach. By leveraging state-of-the-art 300 mm cleanroom facilities, the project ensures that quantum fabrication is fully compatible with existing semiconductor industry standards. This compatibility is essential for the eventual transfer of technology to commercial foundries, providing a clear path to market that many purely academic initiatives lack.

Securing Technological Sovereignty
By integrating 23 partners from eight EU Member States—including research organizations, industrial technology developers, and end-users—SUPREME creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps intellectual property within Europe. Aligned with the European Chips Act and the European Quantum Act, this strategic collaboration secures domestic supply chains and strengthens Europe’s position as a leader in quantum computing, sensing, and communication, ensuring the region remains competitive against global players in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.

www.ipms.fraunhofer.de