2021-05-11 12:35:35 GMT2021-05-11 20:35:35(Beijing Time) Xinhua English BERLIN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The German government earmarked a total of 2 billion euros (2.4 billion U.S. dollars) for the development of quantum technologies and, in particular, for quantum computing, the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) announced on Tuesday. Around 1.1 billion euros would be made available for research and development in the field through the BMBF until 2025. The goal is to build a competitive quantum computer in Germany within the next five years and create an "associated ecosystem" for potential users. "Quantum technologies are one of the decisive key technologies of the future," said Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek in a statement. Among other things, the technologies could make communications secure and allow leaps in medical equipment.