May 23 2025 -- The Cluster of Excellence Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) will continue to receive funding in the upcoming phase of Germany’s Excellence Strategy. This was announced today in Bonn by the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The decision honors the outstanding scientific achievements of the cluster during the first funding period (2019–2025) and acknowledges the great potential of its research agenda in advancing the development of future quantum computers.

ML4Q is a joint research initiative between the University of Cologne (host university), the University of Bonn, RWTH Aachen University, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. The cluster addresses fundamental physical and technological challenges on the road to scalable and reliable quantum computing – from the development of high-performance qubits to modular architectures and the interface between quantum hardware and software.

"This renewed funding allows us to further harness the synergistic strengths of our broad research network and achieve breakthroughs in key areas of quantum technology. In the next phase, we will place particular emphasis on the integration of quantum hardware and software," said Alex Altland, Professor for Theoretical Physics and designated spokesperson of the cluster, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne.

The second funding period, extending over another seven years, will enable ML4Q to deepen the successful collaboration among its partner institutions. The cluster brings together internationally leading expertise in condensed matter physics, quantum optics, and quantum information. At its core is research on four complementary platforms of quantum information technology. In this next phase, ML4Q welcomes new members from the universities of Siegen, Paderborn, and Berlin, further expanding its technological platform expertise and strengthening its theoretical competencies.

ML4Q is also committed to supporting the next generation of scientists. Programs to foster early scientific independence, international collaborations, and targeted measures to promote diversity, equity and inclusion will continue to be central pillars of the cluster’s mission.

The University of Cologne remains the lead applicant and, together with the partner institutions, is responsible for the strategic and organizational development of the cluster. The decision to continue funding ML4Q highlights North Rhine-Westphalia’s growing visibility as a key international hub for quantum research.