Karla Loida, Project Lead, Quantum Computing Hardware, at DLR

Karla Loida, in charge of hardware activities for the Quantum Computing Initiative at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is interviewed by Yuval Boger.

Read the full transcript or listen to the episode at the Quantum Computing Report site here

Here are the key points:

• Background and Role: Karla Loida works for the Quantum Computing Initiative of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). She is responsible for hardware strategy, initiating new projects, and overseeing their realization. She has a Ph.D. in quantum physics and transitioned into IT project management before joining DLR.
• Funding and Objectives: The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has provided DLR with €740 million over four years for the Quantum Computing Initiative. The aim is to accelerate quantum computing development in collaboration with industry partners and to expand DLR's own expertise in the field.
• Success Metrics for 2028: By 2028, Karla hopes to see all commissioned platforms up and running, with the ability to make calculations and control errors. She also aims to establish a robust German quantum computing ecosystem, including two innovation centers in the north and south of Germany.
• Investment in Various Modalities: DLR is investing in a variety of quantum computing platforms, including ions, photons, diamonds, neutral atoms, and spin-based systems. Each platform has a different focus, such as quick demonstrators or larger, more optimized systems.
• Applications: DLR is interested in a broad range of applications, particularly those aligned with their research interests like space, aeronautics, transport, energy, and security. Examples include satellite operation planning, battery simulations, and climate models.
• European and Global Participation: The program follows Europe-wide tender laws, allowing any company that complies with European law to participate. However, they must also be willing to engage with DLR's innovation centers in Germany.
• Surprises in Bids: Karla found it surprising that different technologies attracted different types of companies. Some technologies drew interest from large consortia, while others were more appealing to small startups.
• Supply Chain Development: Karla wishes to see more work on developing the quantum computing supply chain. She observes that while there is significant work on prototypes, the broader supply chain is lagging.
• Cloud-Based Access: Most industrial partners are currently looking for guidance on how to use quantum computing rather than immediate cloud access. Karla expects that most companies will eventually seek cloud-based solutions rather than in-house quantum computers.
• Focus on Computing: While the initiative is primarily focused on quantum computing, DLR is open to exploring interfaces with other quantum technologies like security and communication.

Read the full transcript or listen to the episode at the Quantum Computing Report site here