
IBM Deutschland GmbH
IBM has launched its first European quantum computing center in THE LÄND
IBM is the world’s largest IT company, with roughly 288,000 employees and 170 locations – including the German headquarters in Baden-Württemberg. In this interview, Wolfgang Wendt explains what the tech firm appreciates about the German state known for its tinkerers and inventors.
IBM has been in Germany for decades and has its German headquarters in the Stuttgart region. What do you think are the three main arguments in favor of Baden-Württemberg?
That’s right, Deutsche Hollerith-Maschinen Gesellschaft was founded all the way back in 1910. Its first branch was set up in Stuttgart in what is now Baden-Württemberg in 1926, and others followed. Plants were created in Villingen and Sindelfingen. In 1949, the company was renamed IBM GmbH with its registered offices in Sindelfingen.
Nowadays, the state boasts four universities of excellence and an environment where global market leaders like Mercedes Benz, Bosch, SAP, the Schwarz Group and numerous hidden champions are located. Some of our business partners, including Bechtle, SVA, Cancom, Profi and Cenit, are also based in Baden-Württemberg.
IBM has had a decisive hand in shaping information and communication technology (ICT) in Baden-Württemberg. What synergies with other sectors play a role in this or played a role in the past?
Basically, the use of new IT technologies is revolutionizing every sector. Doctors can administer vaccinations more efficiently, retailers can reduce their carbon footprint, and commercial banks can prevent cyber attacks, to name just a few examples. Technological advancement allows all of us to make a difference for the future and to gain competitive leads. At present, hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence are the key technologies; in the future, this will certainly also include quantum computing.
In the summer of 2021, IBM Germany brought Europe’s most powerful quantum computer for industrial use to Baden-Württemberg. To what extent was the proximity to renowned research institutions and talented university-goers important in this regard?
It goes without saying that the absolute tech highlight is the first commercially usable IBM quantum computer in Europe. It was announced by IBM and the Fraunhofer Society in 2020 and has been up and running since 2021. At the official launch of the quantum computer in June 2021, Arvind Krishna, CEO and Chairman of IBM, had this to say: “This is a turning point that will benefit the Germany economy as well as German industry and society hugely.” In the meantime, IBM System One has been upgraded from 27 qubits to more than 100 qubits and has been extended to become IBM’s first European Quantum Computing Center. With varying access – from free trial access for students to extended research collaboration with research institutions like CERN and key accounts such as Bosch, eon and T-Systems – we are there in Ehningen for all of our customers.
With Quantum BW, a great network for quantum technology has become established in Baden-Württemberg. What potential do you see for this technology of the future in Germany’s Southwest?
We want to spark people’s imaginations, so quantum technology needs to be something people can touch and feel. And the more people in favor of the technology that get together, talk and communicate, the louder and more visible we can become. Alongside research into quantum technologies, Germany’s Southwest can also lead on their use – for example in the industrialization of the use of quantum computing – based on the best quantum computers, which we even have locally.
In your opinion, why should a new company from the ICT sector locate to Baden-Württemberg?
“THE LÄND”, as the state’s official campaign is called, is a “place of tinkerers and inventors”. The spirit of invention that people in Baden-Württemberg have is the stuff of legend.