Infineon Joins European Quantum Pilot Lines for Quantum Chips

Europe is taking a more structured approach to turning quantum research into hardware that can be manufactured at scale, with Infineon positioning itself as one of the industrial players helping that transition. The company says it will contribute engineering and semiconductor manufacturing expertise to three European pilot line projects focused on quantum chips.

For eeNews Europe readers, the announcement is useful because it points to where Europe is trying to build practical strength in quantum hardware, not just in academic research. It also shows how established semiconductor manufacturing know-how could become a critical part of scaling future quantum devices.

From lab prototypes to manufacturable quantum chips

Infineon is taking part in three of Europe’s six selected quantum pilot line projects: CHAMP-ION, SUPREME and SPINS. The aim of these pilot lines is to bridge the gap between laboratory development and industrial-scale production by giving startups, SMEs and research organisations access to industrial-grade facilities.

Quantum chips will not move into wider use simply by proving a concept in the lab. They also need reliable processes, repeatable performance and manufacturing methods that can scale. Infineon’s role is built around that industrialisation step, with the company contributing expertise linked to ion-trap, superconducting and semiconductor spin-based quantum technologies.

“The goal is very clear: to develop and manufacture quantum computers in Europe. The quantum pilot lines create exactly the kind of close, high-impact collaboration needed across the entire quantum value chain. Together with excellent partners, we are strengthening Europe’s quantum ecosystem and turning research excellence into scalable, industrial solutions. This is how quantum computing will move from the lab to real-world deployment”, says Sabine Herlitschka, Head of Strategic Funding Management at Infineon Technologies. “It significantly contributes to the goals of the European Chips Act and the digital sovereignty within this key technology.”

Three pilot lines, three hardware routes

CHAMP-ION, led by Silicon Austria Labs, is focused on establishing what is described as Europe’s first advanced ion-trap quantum chip manufacturing line. The project brings together 21 partners from six countries and aims to support the value chain from design through fabrication and testing.

SUPREME, led by Finland’s VTT, centres on superconducting quantum chips. The consortium includes 23 partners from eight countries and is working toward a 200-qubit 3D integrated module intended to improve stability, yield and reproducibility.

SPINS, coordinated by imec, focuses on silicon and silicon-germanium quantum chips using largely standard CMOS processes. That makes it particularly relevant for Europe’s semiconductor base, as it links quantum chip development with more familiar fab infrastructure and standardised design flows.