German scientists have built a powerful new tool called Sys-Sage, allows quantum computers and supercomputers to work together for the first time. It was developed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ). The system is now being tested.
Quantum computers are often described as the future of science. They use qubits, which can exist in more than one state simultaneously. This ability, known as superposition, allows quantum machines to solve some problems much faster than normal computers.
They also use entanglement, a property that links qubits in powerful ways. With these features, quantum computers can process information at speeds that traditional systems cannot match.
But quantum computers cannot replace supercomputers. Instead, they are seen as partners. Supercomputers are still the best at handling massive data sets and heavy workloads. Quantum computers, on the other hand, are better at solving very complex tasks. The challenge has always been how to make these two very different machines talk to each other. That is where Sys-Sage comes in.
Professor Martin Schulz, who teaches computer architecture at TUM and is also on the LRZ board of directors, explained the breakthrough, “We have addressed some of the biggest challenges by developing the Sys-Sage hybrid tool,” he said. “It provides a clear path for quantum and classical systems to work together productively.”
The researchers say Sys-Sage works like a bridge between the two systems. It examines the structures of both quantum and classical computers and creates a shared map. This map helps decide where each task should go. If a job is better for a quantum processor, Sys-Sage sends it there. If it is better for a supercomputer, it stays there. This way, both machines are used as efficiently as possible.
The idea of Sys-Sage started with a library originally built for supercomputers. This library collected information about how processors worked, how they were connected, and how they transferred data. It was like a detailed road map of the supercomputer. By expanding this library to include quantum systems, the team created a single picture that shows both types of machines together. This unified structure allows tasks to move smoothly between them.
Professor Schulz compared it to teamwork, “Think of it like a sports team,” he said. “The supercomputer is strong and can carry heavy loads, while the quantum computer is clever and fast at solving puzzles. By connecting them, we get the best of both worlds.”
The project is part of the Munich Quantum Valley initiative and the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS). These programs aim to make Germany a leader in quantum technology. The research was also published in the ISC High Performance 2025 Proceedings and is available on IEEE Xplore.
While this is only the beginning, experts believe the breakthrough has huge potential. Industries like medicine, climate science, artificial intelligence, and energy could all benefit. For example, drug companies could use quantum power to model new medicines at the molecular level, while supercomputers process the massive datasets from experiments. Weather centers could run faster forecasts by splitting tasks between the two systems.
Still, quantum computers are young technology. They face problems such as stability, limited size, and errors. But with tools like Sys-Sage, scientists can prepare for the day when quantum systems become stronger and more reliable.
Professor Schulz said “With Sys-Sage, we are laying the foundation for the productive and efficient use of quantum computers in supercomputing centers,” he noted. “This is only the start, but it shows us what the future of computing could look like.”
