ML4QT international symposium generates momentum

July 31, 2025

With the ML4QT — Machine Learning for Quantum Technologies international symposium held at the start of July, Heilbronn sent a strong signal in relation to the pioneering field of quantum AI. Leading minds from science and industry — including representatives of the renowned University of Waterloo (Canada), German research institutions and the European quantum industry — met at the experimenta science center to discuss current advances at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

The symposium marked the first in a new event series on core topics of quantum AI, set to take place annually. At the same time, it provided the first visible milestone for the new Fraunhofer Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) Applied Quantum AI in Heilbronn, which is funded by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.

The event featured an extraordinary range of topics — from quantum-inspired AI models and innovative algorithms to questions on error correction. Proving particularly valuable was the mix of experienced international speakers and dedicated young talent who provided lively discussions and new sources of impetus.

A future-focused location for quantum AI is born

The research and innovation center provides a long-term research and transfer location for quantum AI — with a clear focus on industrial benefit and the development of regional expertise. The center is a hub for the activities of employees of Fraunhofer IAO, Fraunhofer IPA and the IAT at the University of Stuttgart, who work together across disciplines and organizations in the flaQship Fraunhofer Lab.

The road map for quantum computing in the Heilbronn-Franconia region, which is currently being formulated, is providing a framework for this development. It is being developed and orchestrated for implementation on behalf of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation by the Applied Quantum AI FIZ, working alongside an international advisory board. It has a multi-organizational scope and will be presented at the Quantum Effects trade show in Stuttgart in October 2025.

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Fraunhofer-Lab flaQship

The cross-institutional research lab flaQship for application-oriented quantum computing acts as a central point of contact for business, science, and politics. Through internationally networked excellence research, it builds bridges between theory and practice along the entire value chain, from research to business.

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Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers HNFIZ

The Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers HNFIZ act as a decisive driver of momentum for the economy and society. Supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and in close collaboration with companies, organizations and public institutions in the region, the HNFIZ create a unique scientific ecosystem aimed at fostering technology transfer and commercial application.

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Prof. Oliver Riedel, Spokesperson for the Applied Quantum AI FIZ, Director of Fraunhofer IAO

“With the research and innovation center for applied quantum AI and the flaQship Fraunhofer Lab, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable research and innovation environment for quantum AI in Heilbronn. Our aim is to methodically expand applied quantum research, retain talent and build a bridge between scientific excellence and industrial practice. The Heilbronn site provides the ideal conditions for this — with its impressive regional network, international connections and clear focus on transfer.”

Dr. Christian Tutschku, Head of the flaQship Fraunhofer Lab, Fraunhofer IAO

“ML4QT brings together leading minds from quantum computing and machine learning — from universities, Fraunhofer institutes and industry. Of particular significance is our partnership with the University of Waterloo, which provides renowned expertise in the fundamentals of quantum science. With the Applied Quantum AI FIZ, we are creating an ecosystem that develops new algorithms, puts use cases into practice and analyzes innovative business models. We are also focusing on building up regional expertise through targeted training formats.”

Dr. Marco Roth, Head of the flaQship Fraunhofer Lab, Fraunhofer IPA

“The quality and range of topics discussed at ML4QT — from quantum-inspired models and circuit design to error correction — was impressive. These are precisely the fields that our work at the Applied Quantum AI FIZ focuses on: We are developing methods that will allow the potential of quantum AI to be explored step by step. The aim is to develop an innovation-friendly ecosystem that facilitates transfer and application.”

Prof. Achim Kempf, University of Waterloo

“Quantum technologies and machine learning are developing rapidly — but many of the most exciting breakthroughs are happening at the interfaces. ML4QT facilitates dialogue between research cultures — something that brings scientific value and is visionary in its scope. At the same time, I see great value in the fact that international partnerships like the one we have with the flaQship Fraunhofer Lab are also contributing to the strategic development of the site.” 

Heilbronn Makes the Leap in Quantum AI

ML4QT international symposium generates momentum

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Fraunhofer-Lab flaQship

Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers HNFIZ

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Dr. Christian Tutschku

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Dr. rer. soc. Anne-Sophie Tombeil