Bringing quantum technology into application faster The QVLS-iLabs future cluster enters its second phase with €15 million in funding

Thirteen quantum technology projects have been eagerly awaiting the decision, and now the confirmation has arrived: The QVLS-iLabs future cluster is receiving a further €15 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). In addition, €8 million is being provided from the cluster’s own funds. This means that a total of €23 million will be available over the next three years to drive forward the development of application-oriented quantum components. The 25 partners in the future cluster – ranging from research institutes and industry to start-ups – are pursuing a common goal: to accelerate the transfer of state-of-the-art quantum technologies to the market.

It is no coincidence that the Clusters4Future funding from the BMBFTR is going to the Hanover-Braunschweig region: Outstanding research facilities have come together under the umbrella of QVLS – Quantum Valley Lower Saxony: the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, the Technische Universität Braunschweig, Leibniz University Hannover and the German Aerospace Centre with its Institute of Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensors. In collaboration with 21 companies, all participating experts can concentrate on their strengths: quantum computing with trapped ions and novel applications of quantum metrology. Everything is set to become smaller, better and more stable. After laying the foundations for this in the first funding phase, the second phase will see concrete results: a major step for industry partners in turning future technology into a real everyday tool.

This not only benefits the region, but also has wider benefits, as initial results show:

• The cluster has developed and released software for controlling quantum experiments under an open source licence, which can now be used by research groups worldwide.
• A project on more efficient battery production demonstrates how quantum technologies can have a concrete impact: with the help of innovative quantum sensors, battery processes are analysed in detail – an important step towards more powerful and sustainable Electromobility.
• In addition to numerous scientific publications, six new patents and invention disclosures attest to the successful technology transfer, for example to improved atomic sources and stable optical solutions for quantum chips, and make the results available to companies and international partners beyond the future cluster.

Word of this success is spreading: with WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Laseroptik GmbH and Optomech GmbH, three new partners have been gained for the second phase of the future cluster.

Good for innovation, good for the region

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Denz, President of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt:

“New quantum technologies with market-ready applications are within reach. It is therefore wonderful that the success story of this innovation ecosystem can continue. I would like to congratulate all partners of the QVLS-iLabs future cluster on being selected for further funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR). This is excellent news for the participating research institutes, the quantum industry and start-ups – and for the entire quantum cluster region. Ultimately, our society will also benefit, as its future will be strongly influenced by technologically advanced quantum technologies.”

Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President of Technische Universität Braunschweig:

“We see this as an absolute flagship for our region and a milestone for Germany’s future: it’s about cutting-edge technology, quantum physics and outstanding collaboration. The QuantumFrontiers Cluster of Excellence, Quantum Valley Lower Saxony and the Nitride Technology Centre are working together on major innovations for humanity, such as the quantum computer. The performance of the researchers at TU Braunschweig is extremely strong. And they have society in mind. Because here, bridges are being built between quantum physics and its application in society. It is precisely this spirit that also characterises Germany’s high-tech agenda: think boldly, move faster, implement consistently.”

Prof. Dr Christian Ospelkaus, spokesperson for the QVLS-iLabs future cluster (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Leibniz University Hannover):

‘Our successes to date give us strong momentum for the next three years: together with our industry partners, we are accelerating the transfer of quantum technologies into real-world applications and creating sustainable transfer structures for the path to market.’

Dr Thorsten Kornblum, Mayor of the City of Braunschweig:

“The fact that the federal government is continuing its funding for the QVLS-iLabs future cluster is great news for Braunschweig and the entire region. It is also confirmation of the outstanding work of our strong partners in the QVLS network, above all the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt and the TU Braunschweig. The economic potential of quantum technologies for our small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-ups is enormous. Through our economic development agency, we will therefore continue to support quantum technology transfer as a partner in the QVLS-iLabs future cluster.”

Innovation cluster with its own deep tech laboratory

The QVLS-iLabs future cluster is a regional innovation network, but this vision also has a home: In the cluster’s own deep tech laboratory, covering an area of 350 square metres in the Rolleiwerke in Braunschweig, quantum start-ups can take their first steps – and write their success stories: for example, the Braunschweig quantum computer from QUDORA Technologies GmbH, which calculates more efficiently than its competitors from Google and IBM.

Support is also provided by the newly founded QVLS Innovation GmbH, which will professionally manage the cluster in future, take over the operation of the deep tech laboratories in the Rolleiwerke and drive further QT transfer projects in the region.