Project description
Scaling quantum computers at ultra-low temperatures
Quantum computers have the potential to completely change how we process information. However, the technology is not ready. Current superconducting qubit systems can’t scale up to the millions of qubits needed for practical, error-corrected machines. Connecting the qubits, which operate near absolute zero, to room-temperature electronics without creating excessive heat or complexity is a challenge. To address this, the ERC-funded SuperQold project aims to integrate superconducting qubits with cryogenic CMOS electronics directly at millikelvin temperatures. This approach reduces reliance on expensive room-temperature equipment. This could pave the way for quantum computers, and finally scale up ultra-low-power electronics.
Objective
Quantum computing is a game-changing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach computing and problem-solving. These last years, research groups around the world have made great strides in building quantum computers. One of the most promising is superconducting quantum technology, based on superconducting quantum bits (qubits). While plans to reach quantum computers with hundreds of qubits are in motion, the current technology is not yet scalable to sizes required for practical error-corrected applications, currently projected at millions of qubits.
A critical hardware challenge today is scaling-up signal lines with cm-sized components connecting room-temperature electronics with qubits at millikelvin temperature in a dilution refrigerator. Such brute-force scaling would introduce unmanageable heat load and space constraints in modern refrigerators. Furthermore, increasing number of expensive and power-demanding room-temperature instrumentation additionally hinders the scaling process.
The goal of SuperQold is to eliminate the hardware overhead preventing scaling, by revolutionizing the way superconducting qubits are read-out through currently unimaginable co-integration of superconducting qubits and cryo-CMOS electronics at millikelvin temperatures. By doing so, it will eliminate the need for large microwave components in output lines and expensive room-temperature acquisition instrumentation, enabling true scaling of signal routing and detection in quantum computers. Performing state detection near the qubits would for the first time enable future in-situ data processing and fast feedback schemes, ideal for quantum error detection and correction protocols.
By achieving these key objectives, SuperQold will not only transform the way we build quantum computers, but also open new paradigms in quantum simulations, quantum sensing, superconducting electronics, and ultra-low power electronics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3001 Leuven
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.