Next Generation Computing (NGC)

Computers are an integral part of our everyday lives. New application scenarios, such as Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), or cloud and edge computing, are constantly increasing the demands on software and hardware to such an extent that conventional computing technologies and IT architectures are gradually reaching the limits of their speed, performance and the miniaturization that is sometimes necessary. The environmental aspect in this technology area can no longer be ignored, both in terms of energy consumption and the manufacturing processes and recyclability of the products. In this overall context, the research topic of Next Generation Computing (NGC) comes into play. The next generation of computers requires new computer principles and architectures that can coexist and complement each other meaningfully. The institutes cooperating in the FMD are therefore jointly driving forward the research and development of technologies for NGC and developing solutions in the three areas:

• High-performance computers (high-performance computing)
• New computer architectures (not von-Neumann) based on neural networks for AI: neuromorphic computers
• Quantum computers and powerful quantum algorithms, quantum technologies for secure communication

The aim is always to develop trustworthy, high-performance and resource-efficient hardware and software - also with regard to the resilience and security of Germany as a business and technology location.