The German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Ulm officially opened its new institute for quantum technologies on May 27, 2021. The state of Baden-Württemberg is supporting the project with a total of 14.4 million euros.
“Today is a very special day – not only for the Institute for Quantum Technologies and DLR, but also for all of the top research in Baden-Württemberg. With the opening of the Institute for Quantum Technologies, we are launching a real lighthouse project and setting a milestone for the construction of our own, competitive quantum computer in Germany. And I am proud that we are bringing together world-class scientists, innovative companies and active networks in Ulm in order to take a leading position in international competition,” said Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann.
“As the state government, we are making it clear, not least by anchoring quantum technology in the coalition agreement, that we see this future issue as a feat that science, business and politics can only master together. I am therefore particularly pleased that today we are taking a giant step towards the future together and I would like to congratulate the institute and its employees on the opening,” continues Kretschmann.
“Quantum technologies offer disruptive potential and we want Baden-Württemberg to play a leading role in value creation with novel quantum sensors, quantum computing and secure quantum communication. The DLR Institute for Quantum Technologies is an important transfer bridge between research and industry in order to apply quantum technologies as extremely promising future technologies,” said Economics Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut.
“The institute makes an important contribution to creating new industrial pillars in the country with quantum-based hardware and software solutions. Therefore, of course, I am particularly pleased that the Institute for Quantum Technologies should now also play a key role within DLR in the implementation of the federal government’s quantum computing initiative, “said the minister.
Additional Information
The DLR Institute for Quantum Technologies in Ulm is working on developing precision instruments for space applications – such as satellite navigation and communication – on the basis of quantum technologies and bringing them to prototype maturity in close cooperation with industry.
Quantum technologies can be used to record physical measured variables with a precision that has never been achieved before, which is extremely important not only for applications in space but also on earth, for example for autonomous driving. With its application-oriented research and development work, the institute builds a bridge between basic research and industry and will therefore also develop an enormous leverage effect for innovative applications in other sectors.
On May 11, 2021, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) announced an initiative at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to develop German quantum computers with partners from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-up ups and research support. The aim is to develop a German quantum computer as well as corresponding software and applications. The measures are part of an overall concept for the promotion of quantum technologies and in particular quantum computing in the amount of 2 billion euros, which the federal government has agreed on as part of the economic and future package and which is being implemented jointly by the BMWi, BMBF and BMF.
In addition to establishing the two consortia, the BMWi will support the establishment of an industrial innovation center at DLR, which will convey the possibilities of quantum technologies to industry, SMEs and startups across all sectors and applications. In total, DLR will receive 740 million euros for the planned measures until 2025. Around 80 percent of the funds earmarked for the quantum computer will flow to DLR’s cooperation partners in subcontracts as part of the economic stimulus package.
