Braunschweig's quantum pioneers: Focus on future technologies!

Braunschweig's quantum pioneers: Focus on future technologies!

Today there was a lot of hype as part of the parliamentary evening “Quantum Revolution – Shaping the future with quantum” in the Lower Saxony state representation in Berlin. Around 220 guests from politics, science and industry came to explore the latest developments and possibilities in the field of quantum technologies. How braunschweig.de reports, Braunschweig is considered a true center of quantum research, especially in connection with the Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS). This region has proven not only to be an important hub for innovative start-ups, but also a key player in Germany's competitiveness in the global market.

Braunschweig's mayor Dr. Thorsten Kornblum opened the event and highlighted the region's outstanding role as a science and innovation location. Greetings came from Falko Mohrs, the Lower Saxony Minister for Science and Culture, and Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz from the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. The opening keynote by Prof. Dr. was particularly exciting. Andreas Waag from the Technical University of Braunschweig, who dealt with the “building blocks for Germany’s technological quantum sovereignty”.

Innovations and application examples

Various application examples of quantum technology were presented at the event. Prof. Dr. Piet Schmidt from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) presented the latest achievements in atomic clocks, which open up far-reaching potential for various industries. Prof. Dr. Christian Ospelkaus from Leibniz University Hannover showed what is possible with “quantum computers made in Lower Saxony”, while Dr. Nicolas Spethmann (PTB) spoke about the role of innovation ecosystems and technology transfer.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of three promising start-ups that are intensively involved in quantum technologies. Dr. Heiko Brüning from QubeDot spoke about integrated LED production, while Dr. Henning Hahn from QUDORA Technologies GmbH gave insights into the development of ion trap quantum computers. The subsequent outlook from leading figures raised great expectations about the future of these groundbreaking technologies.

Background and developments in Quantum Valley

Speaking of the future: Since the HighTech Incubator of Quantum Valley Lower Saxony opened in April 2024, eleven start-ups from the field of quantum technologies have been working together here. This location in the former Rolleiwerke Braunschweig has around 500 square meters of office and laboratory space and was financed with over 4 million euros quantumfrontiers.de reported. The aim is to further increase the region's innovative strength and to quickly bring new technologies to market maturity.

Particular attention is paid to the quantum optical experiments carried out at the site. The Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, Transport, Construction and Digitalization has guaranteed funding for further technical developments from 2022 to the end of 2024.

The big picture

Quantum technologies are very popular around the world, and not without reason. A current study by Fraunhofer ISI looks at the innovation potential and challenges in this area. Accordingly, Germany is strongly positioned in quantum technology research and has recorded a significant increase in transnational patent applications. However, experts warn that political measures are absolutely necessary in order to remain internationally competitive. Long-term public funding and support for start-ups are crucial, as in the study is noted.

All in all, it becomes clear: The synergies between research, industry and politics are the key to not only developing quantum technologies, but also implementing them across society. The first steps in this direction have already been taken here at the Braunschweig location, and it will be exciting to see how these technologies will further develop in the coming years.