Braunschweig shows how quanta are shaping the future

Quantum technologies are on the verge of revolutionising many areas of our economy, for example in the energy supply, sensor technology, communications, information technology and cyber security sectors. Under the motto ‘Quantum Revolution – Shaping the Future with Quanta,’ the latest developments and applications of quantum technology were presented at a joint parliamentary evening hosted by the City of Braunschweig and leading research institutions from the Braunschweig region on 27 November at the Lower Saxony State Representation in Berlin.

The message of the evening to the approximately 220 guests was that Braunschweig is among the international leaders in quantum research, and that close cooperation between research, industry and politics is needed to leverage the innovation potential of Quantum Valley Lower Saxony to achieve a leading competitive position for Germany in this global billion-dollar market.

Quantum technology is an emerging field in Braunschweig, characterised by intensive research and development at institutions such as Technische Universität Braunschweig with its QuantumFrontiers cluster of excellence and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), one of the leading addresses in the international world of metrology. These institutions deal with various aspects of quantum technology such as computing, communication and sensor technology. In addition, a number of emerging start-ups have already been established that translate Braunschweig’s excellent quantum research into industrial applications and new business models. Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) e.V. brings together activities from science, industry, politics and the public sector. Together, this network stands for cutting-edge research and the successful transfer of quantum technologies with the aim of leveraging the potential in this key economic field of the future.

The parliamentary evening was opened by Dr. Thorsten Kornblum, Mayor of the City of Braunschweig. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasised the central role of Braunschweig and the region as a centre of science and innovation with an agile start-up scene. Welcoming addresses by Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture, and Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz, Head of Department at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, underlined the relevance of quantum technology for the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe.

The event kicked off with an opening keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Andreas Waag, Head of the Institute for Semiconductor Technology at Technische Universität Braunschweig, entitled ‘Building blocks for Germany’s technological quantum sovereignty’. This was followed by short pitches from renowned experts presenting specific application examples and current developments in the field of quantum technology. Prof. Dr. Piet Schmidt (PTB) presented the potential of quantum technology for metrology and sensor technology using the example of atomic clocks.

Prof. Dr. Christian Ospelkaus (Leibniz University Hannover) spoke about the construction of quantum computers ‘Made in Lower Saxony’. Dr. Nicolas Spethmann (PTB) highlighted the importance of a fertile innovation ecosystem for technology transfer to small and medium-sized enterprises and the promotion of start-ups. Here, the PTB, TU Braunschweig and Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH are setting new standards in the promotion of technology-intensive start-ups with their QIMP High-Tech Incubator, which is funded by the state of Lower Saxony.

At the parliamentary evening, three young companies showed how they are already on their way to making quantum technologies economically viable through innovative applications: Dr. Heiko Brüning presented a European success story. His start-up QubeDot stands for integrated LED production as the result of cross-technology research. Dr. Henning Hahn (QUDORA Technologies GmbH) showed how his start-up is advancing the development of ion trap quantum computers.

At the end of the event, leading figures gave an outlook on the future of quantum technology and the steps necessary for its successful implementation in Germany. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel (President of Technische Universität Braunschweig), Prof. Dr. Cornelia Denz (President of Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), Naz Pourmalek (Managing Director of Quantum Valley Lower Saxony e. V.) and Dr. Thorsten Kornblum (Mayor of the City of Braunschweig).

The presentations were complemented by exhibition stands from institutions and companies in the region that research and develop quantum technologies.

Comments on the parliamentary evening

Dr. Thorsten Kornblum (Mayor of the City of Braunschweig): “In recent years, an outstanding research environment for quantum research as a key technology of the future has emerged in the Braunschweig region. To turn this potential into marketable solutions, we are focusing on close cooperation between science, industry and politics. Together with our partners, we want to build a new industry in the region. With the QIMP High-Tech Incubator, funded by the state of Lower Saxony, we have already created an important lever together with our partners at the Parliamentary Evening to provide financial and infrastructural support to high-tech and deep-tech start-ups. We presented this message forcefully at the Parliamentary Evening in order to publicise our initiatives at all levels.”

Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel (President of Technische Universität Braunschweig): “Quantum research shows us what is possible when curiosity, skill and cooperation come together. In Braunschweig, we are experiencing exactly that: scientists pushing boundaries; engineers translating technology into something useful for everyday life; partners from industry and politics taking joint responsibility. Our region has a special strength – it grows out of a high density of research, a spirit of discovery and the will to develop solutions for the future together. That is why Braunschweig is now a place where innovation is gaining international appeal. If we continue to work together in this way, we will not only create technologies for the next generation, but also shape a future that is more sustainable, innovative and peaceful.”

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Denz (President of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt): “One thing is certain: technological progress will make quantum phenomena usable on a scale that is hardly imaginable today – and the associated applications will shape our future. This future has long since begun, and all of us in the Braunschweig region – science, industry and politics – are shaping it together. I am proud that the PTB is contributing its decades of experience in quantum physics and its metrological expertise to all technological areas that are part of today’s ‘second quantum revolution’. Whether in computing, communication or sensor technology – everywhere it is important to push the limits of what can be measured when controlling quantum states. This expertise is our contribution, our dowry as a metrological partner for the innovations of tomorrow’s regional quantum ecosystem.”

Naz Pourmalek (Managing Director of Quantum Valley Lower Saxony e. V.): “QVLS is an impressive result of joint action in Lower Saxony. The strength of this solidarity was demonstrated at this year’s Parliamentary Evening, where presidents of research institutions, state ministers, mayors, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and co-founders and managing directors of our quantum start-ups contributed their visions and perspectives on quantum technologies. It is only through this trusting cooperation that we have been able to establish ourselves globally as one of the leading hubs for quantum technologies. Only in this way can we continue to create the conditions for Lower Saxony to maintain its leading position in the field of quantum technologies in the long term.”