IBM in Ehningen is expanding the areas of AI and quantum computing at

As part of one of the IT group's largest investments in Germany in recent years, a new technology campus is being built on a site of around 69,000 m². In future, all company units and the research and development center, which was previously located on the Schönaicher First in Böblingen, will be brought together at one location. Optimized for sustainability, the IBM Technology Campus offers the latest generation of offices and provides innovative and flexible workplaces. Employees, customers, partners and guests will feel welcome here and be able to work productively. The new building is IBM's commitment to the innovation location of Baden-Württemberg and the Böblingen district - where the company has been active for more than 70 years.

A new urban quarter, the "Quantum Gardens Ehningen", is to be built around the IBM Technology Campus. The area is being developed by Ozean Group GmbH into an innovative residential tech campus with a focus on future industries, new forms of housing and social and infrastructural facilities. The absolute tech highlight is the quantum computer. In 2020, IBM and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft announced that they would be bringing a quantum computer for industry and research to Ehningen - the first of its kind in Europe. The completely new computing method of quantum computers is suitable for solving very complex problems in the future. The processors will soon be able to find new answers wherever today's supercomputers reach their limits. Be it in the simulation of molecules or in the modeling of complex energy networks.

With the IBM quantum computer in Ehningen, called IBM Quantum System One, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is pursuing the goal of accelerating research into quantum computers and their application together with cooperation partners from industry and science. At the official inauguration of the quantum computer in June 2021, Arvind Krishna, CEO and Chairman IBM, emphasized: "This is a turning point from which the German economy, industry and society will benefit greatly."

The inauguration of Europe's most powerful quantum computer marks the start of a vibrant innovation ecosystem that will make the region competitive and fit for the future. Almost simultaneously with the construction of the quantum computer, the "Quantum Village Ehningen" network was established to promote a center for quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the IBM site in Ehningen. On 18 April 2023, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) and Ozean Group GmbH opened an innovation center for quantum technologies and AI in Ehningen.

The "Quantum & AI Experience Center" (Q.AX for short) is a mixture of a world of experience, innovation lab and networking venue. It makes technologies such as quantum computing, machine learning and AI not only understandable, but also tangible. The primary aim is to demonstrate the potential of the technologies for transfer and application in business using a wide range of concrete examples. Training courses, specialist conferences, events and co-innovation at Q.AX are intended to promote the transfer of knowledge and the creation of a local and nationwide campus ecosystem. The Q.AX is a first milestone in the overall development of the "Quantum Gardens Ehningen" site.