DLR Quantum Computing Initiative
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is a federally funded division of the German Aerospace Center that builds sovereign quantum computing capability for Germany and Europe, operating Innovation Centers in Hamburg and Ulm with QCI Connect (hardware access), QCI Solutions (SME roadmaps), and a pilot line for ion-trap startups across 100+ partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersHamburg, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DLR Quantum Computing Initiative does
The DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) is a division of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.), established in 2021 and headquartered at its Innovation Centers in Hamburg and Ulm. It operates as a federally funded ecosystem builder whose mission is to develop sovereign quantum computing capabilities for Germany and Europe. Its core technology portfolio spans multiple qubit modalities — Nitrogen-Vacancy centers in diamond (room-temperature systems such as XQ1i, SQ-RT, SuNQC, and the planned >32-qubit XQi), superconducting qubits, ion traps (supported by a dedicated pilot line), and one analog computer — orchestrated through three service offerings: QCI Connect (access platform for quantum computers, simulators, and emulators), QCI Solutions (bespoke quantum-adoption roadmaps primarily for SMEs), and the Pilot Line (a user facility for ion-trap processor startups).
The initiative does not generate commercial revenue; it is funded through German federal budget allocations and operates via a public-procurement model that awards contracts to 13+ hardware firms and 8+ application firms for projects across 17 hardware and 80 software/application tracks. Its customer base comprises industry partners (Airbus, Lufthansa, E.ON, DB InfraGo, Bundesdruckerei), quantum startups (XeedQ, SaxonQ, QuiX Quantum, Planqc, IQM, EleQtron, Diatope), Fraunhofer institutes, German federal bodies (BSI, PTB), and universities (TU München, Universität Ulm, Helmholtz Institute Ulm). Operational footprint includes 4,340 sqm of labs, clean rooms, and coworking space across the two innovation centers, supported by the annual AFQC forum that attracted 320+ participants in 2026.
Notable application projects include QI-TraSiCo (quantum-inspired traffic signal control live-piloted with BearingPoint), QCOptSens (hybrid quantum optimization of hyperspectral camera calibration with HQS Quantum Simulations and Wave Cube Innovations), and QCMineral (ab-initio simulation of redox materials). The initiative explicitly does not own intellectual property in the manner of a commercial vendor; instead it functions as a convening, financing, and infrastructure body for a broader European quantum ecosystem, with partners reporting back on demonstrators such as the first 4-qubit NV-center systems delivered by SaxonQ and XeedQ.
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DLR Quantum Computing Initiative
- Legal name
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.
- Website
- https://qci.dlr.de
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is a federally funded division of the German Aerospace Center that builds sovereign quantum computing capability for Germany and Europe, operating Innovation Centers in Hamburg and Ulm with QCI Connect (hardware access), QCI Solutions (SME roadmaps), and a pilot line for ion-trap startups across 100+ partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Quantum Computing Research and Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Space Research and Technology (92711)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- QCaaS Platforms & Developer Portals (HDAGAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Multi-Provider Quantum Aggregators & Marketplaces (HDAGAIAC), Managed Quantum Services & Enterprise Support (HDAGAIAI), Quantum Performance Monitoring, Benchmarking & SLAs (HDAGAIAG)
Keywords
Where DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hamburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Government Research Funding: DLR (German Aerospace Center) is a publicly funded research organization of the German Federal Government. The Quantum Computing Initiative operates as part of DLR's mission, funded through federal government allocations for quantum technology development.
- Contract Research & Development: The initiative awards contracts to industry partners for quantum computer development, enabling technologies, and application projects. Companies serve as contractors developing hardware and software solutions.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is a government-funded research division that builds sovereign quantum computing capabilities in Germany and Europe. It operates three core services: QCI Connect (platform providing access to quantum computers, simulators, and emulators for algorithm and use case development), QCI Solutions (bespoke adoption roadmaps for SMEs), and a Pilot Line user facility for ion-trap processors. It also funds and coordinates contracted R&D hardware and software projects across 100+ partners.
Product overview
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative operates as a multi-service quantum computing ecosystem comprising three core offerings: QCI Connect (access to quantum computers, simulators, and emulators for algorithm development), QCI Solutions (bespoke quantum roadmaps for SMEs), and a Pilot Line (user facility for ion-trap processors supporting startups). The initiative manages multiple hardware platforms including NV-Zentren (diamond-based) quantum computers such as XQ1i, SQ-RT, SuNQC, and XQi with varying qubit counts, plus the CARINA quantum computer. Application-focused projects include QI-TraSiCo (quantum-inspired traffic optimization) and QCOptSens (quantum-optimized optical sensor design). Infrastructure spans Innovation Centers in Hamburg and Ulm with 4,340 square meters of labs, clean rooms, and offices supporting 17 hardware projects and 60+ use cases across 100+ partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- QCI Connect Platform providing access to DLR QCI's quantum computers, simulators, and emulators, enabling users to develop use cases and algorithms on real hardware. Target audience: industry partners, SMEs, startups, and researchers.
- QCI Solutions Bespoke roadmap services that provide small and medium-sized enterprises with guided, easy access to quantum computing, lowering the technical barrier to adoption. Target audience: SMEs seeking quantum entry points.
- Pilot Line State-of-the-art user facility at Innovation Center Ulm that supports startups in operating ion-trap quantum hardware under ideal and safe conditions. Target audience: quantum hardware startups.
Quantifiable outcome
- Developed first quantum computer demonstrator (XQ1i, 4-qubit NV-center system) that passed acceptance testing
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use DLR Quantum Computing Initiative
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature4 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
75 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- QuiX QuantumcoreQuiX Quantum supplies core hardware components for the CARINA quantum computer project. The company handed over key components which are being integrated into DLR QCI's quantum computing systems with commissioning and calibration underway.
- XeedQcoreLeipzig-based deep tech company developing quantum processors using diamond-based spin qubits. Founded in 2021, XeedQ provides high energy efficiency and robustness for mobile quantum applications. Contractor for XQ1i quantum computer project.
- SaxonQcoreLeipzig-based quantum startup that delivered the first quantum computer for the SuNQC project - a 4-qubit system based on NV-centers in diamond. Located at Innovation Center Ulm.
- DiatopecoreStartup supplying high-purity diamonds with NV-centers for quantum technology. Delivered first diamonds from their Ulm manufacturing line with 99.99% 12C-enriched diamond layers for the DiaQ spin-enabling project.
- Advanced QuantumcoreDeveloping qualification systems for analyzing the functionality and properties of spin qubits in solids as part of the SQuAp project.
- IQM GermanymajorQuantum computer manufacturer developing superconducting quantum processors as part of the DLR QCI ecosystem.
- PlanqcmajorQuantum computing company developing atom-based quantum processors using neutral atoms trapped in optical lattices.
- EleQtronmajorQuantum computing company participating in hardware development projects with focus on ion trap technology.
- BearingPointmajorManagement and technology consultancy supporting the QI-TraSiCo quantum-inspired traffic control optimization project. Leading contractor for the traffic light control system optimization.
- Fraunhofer CMLsupportingFraunhofer Centre for Maritime Logistics and Services acting as subcontractor for the QI-TraSiCo project.
- gevas humberg & partnersupportingEngineering consultancy serving as subcontractor for the QI-TraSiCo quantum-inspired traffic optimization project.
- StührenbergsupportingCompany providing expertise as subcontractor for the QI-TraSiCo quantum-inspired traffic control project.
- Fraunhofer IAOmajorFraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering contributing to the QCOptSens project for optical sensor optimization using quantum computing.
- Fraunhofer IPAsupportingFraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation serving as subcontractor for QCMineral project.
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESYmajorMajor German research center for particle physics contributing to quantum computing projects including QCOptSens.
- Universität UlmmajorUniversity collaborating on quantum computing research at the Innovation Center Ulm location.
- Technische Universität MünchenmajorTechnical University of Munich partnering on quantum computing research and development initiatives.
- Helmholtz Institute UlmmajorHelmholtz Institute for Electrochemical Energy Storage collaborating at the Ulm innovation center.
- HQS Quantum SimulationsmajorKarlsruhe-based startup developing software applications for simulation and analysis of materials at the quantum level. Contractor for QCOptSens cross-compiler development.
- Wave Cube InnovationsmajorBerlin-based startup developing intelligent high-tech solutions at the intersection of photonics, high-performance computing, and quantum computing. Contractor for QCOptSens optical system optimization.
- Munich Quantum Valley (MQV)majorGerman quantum computing initiative collaborating on European quantum computing software networks.
- Quantum DeltamajorDutch quantum technology initiative collaborating on European quantum computing ecosystem development.
- Quantum Valley Lower SaxonysupportingRegional quantum computing initiative in Lower Saxony collaborating on ecosystem development.
- QuantumBWsupportingBaden-Württemberg quantum computing initiative for regional ecosystem collaboration.
- AirbusmajorMajor aerospace company collaborating on quantum computing applications for aviation and aerospace industry.
- Lufthansa AGmajorAirline company exploring quantum computing applications for aviation operations and logistics.
- Lufthansa Industry SolutionssupportingTechnology subsidiary of Lufthansa providing industrial quantum computing solutions.
- E.ONmajorEnergy company exploring quantum computing applications for grid optimization and energy management.
- DB InfraGosupportingGerman railway infrastructure company exploring quantum computing for logistics and transportation optimization.
- BundesdruckereisupportingGerman security printing company exploring quantum computing for security applications.
- Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der InformationstechnikmajorGerman Federal Office for Information Security contributing to quantum computing security and standardization.
- Physikalisch Technische BundesanstaltmajorGerman National Metrology Institute collaborating on quantum technology standards and measurements.
- Multiverse ComputingsupportingQuantum computing software company providing quantum-inspired and quantum solutions for enterprise applications.
- AnabridsupportingCompany developing analog and hybrid computing solutions including the REDAC analog computing system.
- ParityQCsupportingQuantum computing company developing quantum architecture and control solutions.
- Universal QuantumsupportingQuantum computing company developing scalable quantum computers using trapped ions.
- Pixel PhotonicssupportingStartup developing photon-based quantum technologies.
- Single QuantumsupportingCompany providing quantum photon detection and measurement solutions.
- Kipu QuantumsupportingQuantum computing startup developing photonic quantum processors.
- Berlin QuantumsupportingBerlin-based quantum computing company in the ecosystem.
- JoS QuantumsupportingQuantum computing company in the DLR QCI partner ecosystem.
- Just Add AIsupportingCompany providing AI solutions in partnership with quantum computing initiatives.
- d-finesupportingConsulting firm contributing to quantum computing applications and consulting.
- Conet Solutions GmbHsupportingIT solutions company providing consulting services for quantum computing projects.
- Tensor AI SolutionssupportingAI solutions company partnering on quantum-AI integration projects.
- EngyssupportingCompany providing engineering simulation solutions potentially combined with quantum computing.
- LionixsupportingCompany developing photonic integrated circuit solutions for quantum applications.
- Menlo SystemssupportingCompany providing precision measurement systems for quantum technology.
- Swabian InstrumentssupportingCompany developing control electronics and instruments for quantum computing.
- ExoMattersupportingCompany working on quantum materials and matter technologies.
- Molecular Quantum SolutionssupportingCompany developing molecular-scale quantum solutions.
- Solid State Quantum Technologies (SQUTEC)supportingOrganization promoting solid-state quantum technology development.
- QC DesignsupportingCompany providing quantum computing design services and solutions.
- QUDORAsupportingQuantum computing initiative or company in the partner ecosystem.
- Data CyberneticssupportingCompany providing data and cybernetics solutions for quantum applications.
- NXP Semiconductors GermanysupportingSemiconductor company contributing quantum-ready chip technologies.
- HensoldtsupportingDefense and security technology company exploring quantum applications for sensing and security.
- EurowingssupportingAirline exploring quantum computing applications for aviation operations.
- DachsersupportingLogistics company exploring quantum optimization for supply chain and transport.
- KombiverkehrsupportingRail transport company exploring quantum computing for logistics optimization.
- DBRegio BussupportingRegional bus transport company exploring quantum applications for public transport optimization.
- Hessische LandesbahnsupportingRegional railway company in Hesse exploring quantum computing applications.
- RheinNeckar-VerkehrsupportingPublic transport company in the Rhine-Neckar region exploring quantum applications.
- ÖBB InfrasupportingAustrian railway infrastructure company exploring quantum computing applications.
- UIRRsupportingInternational rail transport organization exploring quantum optimization.
- TriCon Container-Terminal Nürnberg GmbHsupportingContainer terminal company exploring quantum computing for logistics optimization.
- Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport)supportingGermany's largest inland port exploring quantum computing for port logistics optimization.
- NVision Imaging TechnologiessupportingCompany developing quantum-enabled imaging technologies for medical and industrial applications.
- Tutech InnovationsupportingTechnology transfer and innovation management organization.
- Hamburg InnovationsupportingHamburg-based innovation organization supporting quantum computing ecosystem development.
- Stadt HamburgsupportingCity of Hamburg supporting quantum computing ecosystem as local government partner.
- Stadt UlmsupportingCity of Ulm supporting quantum computing ecosystem as local government partner.
- FraunhofermajorLarge German research organization with multiple institutes (IAO, IPA, others) collaborating on quantum computing projects.
- EIN Quantum NRWmajorNorth Rhine-Westphalia quantum computing initiative co-organizing the AFQC annual forum and supporting quantum ecosystem development.
- Digitale Stadt Düsseldorf e.V.supportingDüsseldorf digital city initiative hosting panel discussions on quantum technologies at AFQC events.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Fraunhofer Institute: Germany's largest applied research organization with multiple institutes (IAO, IPA, CML) collaborating with DLR QCI. Comparable as a publicly funded research body delivering applied technology projects to industry, though broader in scope than quantum alone.
- CERN: European intergovernmental research organization operating large-scale scientific infrastructure. Comparable structurally as a publicly funded European research body coordinating multi-country scientific collaborations, though focused on particle physics rather than quantum computing.
- IBM Quantum: Global commercial leader in superconducting quantum computing with a quantum cloud platform analogous to QCI Connect. Comparable in offering cloud-based quantum access and developer tooling, though operating as a commercial incumbent rather than a government ecosystem builder.
Direct peers
- Munich Quantum Valley (MQV): Bavarian state-funded quantum computing initiative with similar mission of building a regional quantum ecosystem. Direct comparable in scope, government backing, and industry-academic consortium model; competes for the same German federal and EU quantum funding pools.
- DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron): Major German national research center collaborating with DLR QCI on quantum projects including QCOptSens. Comparable as a publicly funded German research institution conducting quantum research and hosting large-scale scientific infrastructure.
- Quantum Delta NL: Dutch national quantum technology initiative and a core DLR QCI partner. Highly comparable as a publicly funded European quantum hub; explicitly partners with DLR QCI on European quantum computing ecosystem development.
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (Forschungszentrum Jülich): German national research center operating supercomputing and quantum computing infrastructure. Comparable as a government-funded German research hub providing HPC and emerging quantum computing access to research and industry users.
Regional players
- QuantumBW: Baden-Württemberg regional quantum computing initiative and DLR QCI partner. Comparable as a state-level European quantum ecosystem builder; covers a different German region but pursues similar industry-academic integration.
- EIN Quantum NRW: North Rhine-Westphalia quantum computing initiative that co-organizes AFQC with DLR QCI. Comparable as a regional German quantum ecosystem builder with strong government backing and similar industry-partner engagement model.
- Quantum Valley Lower Saxony: Lower Saxony regional quantum initiative and DLR QCI ecosystem partner. Comparable structure as a publicly funded regional quantum hub; covers a different German geography but pursues comparable industry-academic integration goals.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative social profiles
Digital presenceDLR Quantum Computing Initiative compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DLR Quantum Computing Initiative
What does DLR Quantum Computing Initiative do?
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is a government-funded research division that builds sovereign quantum computing capabilities in Germany and Europe. It operates three core services: QCI Connect (platform providing access to quantum computers, simulators, and emulators for algorithm and use case development), QCI Solutions (bespoke adoption roadmaps for SMEs), and a Pilot Line user facility for ion-trap processors. It also funds and coordinates contracted R&D hardware and software projects across 100+ partners.
Is DLR Quantum Computing Initiative a public or private company?
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was DLR Quantum Computing Initiative founded?
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is DLR Quantum Computing Initiative based?
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does DLR Quantum Computing Initiative make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Research Funding is the primary driver. The others are contract Research & Development.
Who are DLR Quantum Computing Initiative's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Fraunhofer Institute, CERN and IBM Quantum. Direct peers are Munich Quantum Valley (MQV), DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron), Quantum Delta NL and Jülich Supercomputing Centre (Forschungszentrum Jülich). Regional players are QuantumBW, EIN Quantum NRW and Quantum Valley Lower Saxony.
Does DLR Quantum Computing Initiative have an API?
No public API is recorded for DLR Quantum Computing Initiative.
What industry is DLR Quantum Computing Initiative in?
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative's product category is Quantum Computing Research and Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAIAB, QCaaS Platforms & Developer Portals, with a secondary code of HDAGAIAC, Multi-Provider Quantum Aggregators & Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 7370.