Together for Quantum Expertise: WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM Strengthen Education, Research and Technology Transfer

WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM Agree to Collaborate on Qualification and Applied Research in Quantum Computing

Press Release / November 12, 2026

The Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research (WISER) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM are expanding their collaboration in Quantum Computing. Through a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), they are establishing a framework for long-term cooperation in quantum education, applied research, and industrial applications.

The partnership builds on an existing collaboration: WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM are jointly exploring how Quantum Machine Learning can be applied in industrial settings. One of their key areas of focus is the use of quantum-based methods for anomaly detection in production systems.

Both partners now aim to combine their expertise over the long term. Fraunhofer ITWM contributes its expertise in applied quantum research, algorithm development, benchmarking, and industrial applications. WISER complements this collaboration through its activities in quantum education and workforce development, as well as its international network spanning academia and industry.

Together, the partners aim to improve access to knowledge and expertise in quantum computing while accelerating the transfer of research results into practical applications.

Bringing Research and Education Together

Quantum Computing is increasingly moving beyond fundamental research towards practical applications. However, in many areas, it remains unclear which problems quantum approaches can solve more effectively than classical methods. In addition to technological advances, robust benchmarking methods, relevant industrial use cases, and a skilled workforce are therefore essential.

WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM aim to closely integrate their educational and research activities and develop joint initiatives. These include activities within WISER’s annual »Quantum + AI« programme, as well as workshops, publications, and other joint communication initiatives.

»Developing talent in the field of Quantum Computing means giving people the opportunity to work on relevant research and real-world industrial challenges. Our collaboration with Fraunhofer ITWM has already brought this approach to life through joint research on quantum-based machine learning for industrial anomaly detection. This partnership builds on that foundation, bringing together WISER’s global community of learners and researchers with Fraunhofer ITWM’s expertise in industrial mathematics and applied research. Together, we aim to empower individuals and businesses to develop quantum methods, rigorously benchmark them against classical approaches, and identify where they can deliver practical value,« says Prachi Vakharia, Founder of WISER.

Evaluating Quantum Methods for Industrial Applications

Fraunhofer ITWM identifies and models use cases for Quantum Computing across a range of industries, including chemicals, energy, finance, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, materials science, and mobility. Its researchers develop and investigate quantum methods for machine learning, optimization, and simulation. These approaches are compared with classical methods and tested on quantum hardware and simulators.

Another key focus is the integration of Quantum Computing and High Performance Computing (HPC). The aim is to combine the two technologies wherever hybrid approaches offer potential advantages. To this end, the institute conducts research into quantum software stacks, the translation of quantum algorithms for different hardware architectures, and the efficient distribution of computational tasks between classical high-performance computers and quantum systems.

»Progress towards practical Quantum Computing happens when people work together who understand both the technology and its potential applications. Our partnership brings precisely these perspectives together across disciplines and national borders. Through joint educational programmes, workshops, and publications, we aim to translate this exchange into applicable knowledge. This will help businesses and researchers better assess which challenges are promising candidates for quantum approaches and which next steps make sense on the path towards industrial applications,« says Dr. Pascal Halffmann, Research Coordinator for Quantum Computing at Fraunhofer ITWM.

Group photo taken during the project meeting with WISER. — © Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
Group photo taken during the project meeting with WISER at the Rhineland-Palatinate University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU).

Building Skills for the Next Generation of Quantum Computing

Through this partnership, WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM aim not only to explore new methods but also to strengthen the expertise needed to evaluate them rigorously. Participants in joint activities will learn how to formulate real-world problems for quantum approaches, assess their suitability, and systematically compare quantum-based solutions with established classical methods.

In this way, the collaboration brings together research, education, and knowledge transfer around a shared goal: to establish a reliable understanding of where quantum computing can deliver added value for industry and the wider economy.

News in Brief

Together for Quantum Expertise: WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM Strengthen Education, Research and Technology Transfer

WISER and Fraunhofer ITWM Agree to Collaborate on Qualification and Applied Research in Quantum Computing

Bringing Research and Education Together

More Information

Evaluating Quantum Methods for Industrial Applications

Building Skills for the Next Generation of Quantum Computing

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Pascal Halffmann

Contact Press / Media

M.A. Esther Packullat