Algorithmiq & Fraunhofer ISC: Quantum computing for materials

Human Creativity is Also Needed in Digital Times

"First of all, simulations make it easier to identify our white spots in the material space. These are materials that we have not necessarily been looking for, but whose properties may be promising," explains Prof. Dr. Miriam Unterlass, Director of the Fraunhofer ISC, about the project. Another aim is to better understand the material space through simulations and to find new materials more quickly. However, the creativity of scientists will still be needed in the future in order to create socially relevant innovations. But the tools of the trade are becoming increasingly digital. And in addition to real synthesis, the digital twin will become very important, allowing material synthesis, product properties and recovery through recycling to be predicted over the entire product life cycle without having to retrace every single laboratory step, predicts Unterlass.

The Quantum Computer Can Do More than Just Impress Scientifically

Turning to quantum computers to solve such complex tasks is therefore an important step that can lead to accelerated material development. Prof. Dr. Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO and co-founder of Algorithmiq, adds: "For too long, the global discourse around quantum computing has focused almost exclusively on hardware. But hardware alone is not enough!" Without significant advances in algorithms and software, quantum computers risk remaining merely scientifically impressive without delivering any real industrial added value. According to Maniscalco, Algorithmiq is building the algorithmic layer that makes quantum computers actually useful—for chemistry, life sciences, new materials and beyond.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.

AI Cooperation