The third virtual meeting of the nationwide expert group „Quantum Technologies“ of Photonik Deutschland – Photonics Germany provided about eighty participants with insights on the topic “Quantum technologies and the participation of the German economy”.

Thomas Bauer, chairman of OptecNet Germany, and Dr Wenko Süptitz, head of photonics at Spectaris, welcomed the participants and introduced the program consisting of four expert presentations.

Henning Schröder, Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM), gave an insight into glass-based quantum photonic packaging and additionally highlighted opportunities for spin-offs and start-ups. The following presentation of Andreas Bülter, PicoQuant, dealt with the topic “Single Photon Counting in Optical Quantum Technologies”.

Subsequently, Dr Robert Axmann of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) introduced the DLR initiative for the promotion of quantum computing. Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), new quantum computers can be developed and an economic environment consisting of industrial companies, research institutions and start-ups can be created.

Thomas Gläßer, project manager at Photonics BW, concluded by presenting the “Agenda Quantum Systems 2030” of the “Quantum Systems” program committee consisting of numerous stakeholders. In order to be able to use and exploit the existing competences and economic advantages, a long-term funding strategy is required. The research results should serve as a basis for the development of new products and services in the field of quantum technologies. For successful implementation, great importance is attached to the involvement of a wide variety of actors from industry, research institutes and politics. With specialist events on quantum technologies, Photonics Germany promotes the networking of these players and is established accordingly in the Agenda Quantum Systems 2030.

Following the presentations, the further procedure within the expert group was discussed. The next meetings are planned for autumn 2021, again virtually or possibly hybrid. Within the scope of the upcoming events, the activities in the field of quantum technologies are to be illuminated from the perspective of different regions.

The organizers were pleased about the huge interest in the expert group “Quantum Technologies” and thanked the speakers and participants for the exciting and informative exchange.

Photonics Germany is the alliance of Spectaris and OptecNet Deutschland. PhotonicsViews is its official publishing medium since April 2021.