News
14/10/2024

Technology programme "Quantum Computing - Applications for industry" at the BDI's InnoNation Festival

Together with quantum technology application companies, QUTAC and the BMBF, the DLR Projektträger discussed how quantum technologies can be better integrated with industrial processes at the InnoNation Festival organised by the Federation of German Industries in Berlin.

Deep Dive "Industrial Quantum Quality" of the InnoNation Festival of the BDI
Deep Dive "Industrial Quantum Quality" of the InnoNation Festival of the BDI
Deep Dive "Industrial Quantum Quality" of the InnoNation Festival of the BDI

First-generation quantum technologies, such as ultra-precise clocks or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have become an integral part of our modern world. Now the next generation of quantum technologies is in the starting blocks. The second generation of quantum technologies makes use of quantum phenomena such as the entanglement of states. Quantum computing opens up completely new perspectives and opportunities for many sectors, such as production, logistics, pharmaceuticals and finance. At the same time, this also requires completely new skills and expertise. The BMWK technology programme "Quantum Computing - Applications for industry" is making an important contribution to this development, contributing significantly to the dissemination and application of quantum computing through its research projects.

Quantum hope for Germany as a centre of innovation

Dr. Sophia Helmrich from the DLR Projektträger provided an overview of the diverse results of the technology programme and the focal points of technology funding as part of a moderated fishbowl at the InnoNation Festival of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Together with the experts Engelbert Beyer - Head of the sub-department "Technology-oriented Research for Innovation" BMBF, Ronny Döring - R&D System Engineer Deutsche Telekom T-Labs, Dr. Katrin Kobe - CEO Bosch Quantum Sensing, Dr. Sebastian Luber - Senior Director Technology & Innovation Infineon Technologies and Dr. Heike Riel - Head Science & Technology & Lead IBM Research Quantum, the DLR-PT discussed the current status and future prospects of quantum technologies and quantum computing in Germany.

Fishbowl on the future of Germany as a quantum location
Fishbowl on the future of Germany as a quantum location
© Jana Legler
Fishbowl on the future of Germany as a quantum location

An important focus for the future viability of Germany as a quantum location is in particular the implementation of the Federal Government's quantum technologies action plan. The action plan sets its perspective until 2036 on the framework conditions of the quantum ecosystem, the continuous development of technology and ultimately its utilisation for various stakeholders. Targeted collaboration in project consortia, such as in the "Quantum Computing - Applications for industry" programme, can make an important contribution here. It is crucial for the success of consortia that the right partners from science and industry are brought together and that user problems are focussed on. In addition, European cooperation, e.g. within the framework of the Quantum Pact, and the possibility of international cooperation must be strengthened.

It was clear to the experts that Germany has strong basic research from which a strong quantum ecosystem with scalable and economically relevant application areas must now grow in order to be able to compete internationally.

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