Aqarios Quantum Technologies tests quantum machine learning methods on today’s hardware.

According to Quantum Zeitgeist, the three-year IgnisQNC project is funded by the European QuantERA programme, runs from autumn 2026 to autumn 2029, and focuses on developing AI methods for current, noisy quantum hardware.[1]The outlet reports that total funding for IgnisQNC is approximately EUR 1.8 million, with German partners funded by BMFTR and project management by DLR Projektträger.[1]Quantum Zeitgeist says the project is a collaboration between Lancaster University, LMU Munich, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Universidad Pablo de Olavide and Aqarios[1]. The outlet adds that its research centres on Quantum Neural Computing (QNC), which it describes as "a method that intentionally uses quantum uncertainty as a computational resource."[1]According to the same report, the project also addresses the growing need for explainable AI models, particularly in light of the EU AI Act.[1]Quantum Zeitgeist reports that Aqarios will test these methods on real quantum hardware via its Luna platform[1]. The outlet says this includes running the methods on quantum computers from multiple providers so that results are not specific to a single hardware architecture.[1]The outlet also reports that every quantum method developed will be directly compared against established[1] classical approaches. It says Aqarios considers this "the only reliable way to demonstrate the value of quantum computation beyond theoretical potential."[1]LMU Munich's QAR-Lab says the approaches "will first be simulated, then tested on real quantum hardware and compared with established methods."[2]