Signal Jülich Launches Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer For Supercomputing Integration

Summary

Forschungszentrum Julich and Siegen based startup eleQtron brought the JION trapped ion quantum computer online on September 4 2026. The system uses eleQtron's MAGIC technology to control qubits with microwaves rather than lasers. Unlike superconducting approaches, it operates trapped ytterbium ions at room temperature without cryogenic cooling. JION connects to Julich's high performance computers through the JUNIQ infrastructure, enabling hybrid quantum classical workflows. Funding of roughly 21 million euros over four and a half years comes from the State of North Rhine Westphalia's Ministry of Culture and Science under the EPIQ project.