Shaping the Future of Quantum Communication
SQuaD
Innovations for Quantum Communication in Germany
Quantum Communication is a key technology for ensuring the security of digital infrastructures in our society. By exploiting Quantum Effects, it promises tap-proof data transmission within communication and information networks. One of today’s most widely researched applications is that of quantum-based Key Distribution (QKD). In addition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), this technology can significantly enhance both IT security and Germany’s technological sovereignty in a hyperconnected world.
Partners
Project Partners in SQuaD
The central goal of the umbrella project is to ensure a sustainable transfer of technology from the scientific community to industry and to lay the foundations for the establishment of a German Quantum Communication Industry. For this, SQuaD will bundle activities in the field of Quantum Communication throughout Germany and promote the dialog with other research hubs and start-up incubators in the field of classical communication technology and IT security.
The Project Partners in SQuaD are:
Project Coordination:
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig
- Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), Bonn
Consortium Partners:
- KEEQuant GmbH, Fürth
- Quantum Business Network UG, München
- Universität des Saarlandes (UdS), Saarbrücken
- Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung (ISI), Karlsruhe
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik (IOF), Jena
- Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI), Berlin
- Leibniz Universität, Hannover (LUH)
News
News from SQuaD
Transfer and Network Integration of Quantum Communication
Announcement for the Funding of Projects on the Subject “Transfer and Network Integration of Quantum Communication”: The Bundesministerium für Bildung
Photonic and quantum-based Technologies for medical Diagnostics and Therapy
Announcement for the Funding of Projects on the Subject “Photonic and quantum-based Technologies for medical Diagnostics and Therapy”: The Bundesministerium
Quantenrepeater.Net (QR.N)
Networked Quantum Repeaters for future End-to-end Security: The joint project “Quantenrepeater.Link (QR.X)”, which was funded by the Bundesministerium für Bildung
Projects
Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hub for Quantum Communication is intended to systematically link and thus further intensify Germany’s existing and comprehensive research performance in the field of Quantum Communication with the industrial development of components, systems and solutions for Quantum Communication. The Innovation Hub connects the active stakeholders, projects and current topics in Quantum Communication, rather than connecting individual, unrelated topics.
The Innovation Hub consists of the umbrella project SQuaD for services coordinating and supporting the extension of an independent Quantum Communication Ecosystem in Germany and the following six industry-led projects:
6G-QuaS
DE-QOR
DemoQuanDT
Q‑Fiber
Quant-ID
QUIET
Quantum Communication Ecosystem
Actors in the Field of Quantum Communication in Germany
SQuaD is a multifaceted network of joint projects in the field of Quantum Communication in Germany.
QR.X / QR.N
QuNET
DIVQSec
Events
Events with SQuaD
QT4HEP 2025
20 to 24 January 2025: International Conference on Quantum Technology for High-Energy Physics (QT4HEP 2025) in Geneva – The second
SPIE Photonics West 2025
25 to 30 January 2025: SPIE Photonics West 2025 in San Francisco – SPIE Photonics West — the world’s largest
SAMOP 2025
09 to 14 March 2025: DPG Spring Meeting of the Atomic, Molecular, Quantum Optics, and Photonics Section (SAMOP) in Bonn
Research
Testbeds
Testbeds for Quantum Communication in Germany
SQuaD is the central point of contact for the expertise and infrastructure of Quantum Communication in Germany. The scope of SQuaD tasks includes the provision of testbeds and the creation of an overview of the numerous existing user platforms or testbeds in Germany that are available and usable for research and development in the field of Quantum Communication.
The testbeds include existing fiber optic networks (so-called dark fibers), free-beam links, base stations for satellite transmission, but also testbeds to characterize single-photon sources and detectors.
The testbed map shows where test labs for Quantum Communication Experiments are currently located in Germany and for which topics they are suitable.
If your existing or required testbed is not included on the map, please contact us at squad@ptb.de.
Jobs
Positions in the SQuaD Network
Doktorand:in Optische nicht-terrestrische Netze (m / w / d)
Doktorand:in (m / w / d) Optische nicht-terrestrische Netze – beim Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) in Berlin – Vertragsbedingungen im Rahmen
Ingenieur:in Informatik, Elektrotechnik oder vergleichbar (m / w / d)
Ingenieur:in Informatik, Elektrotechnik oder vergleichbar (m / w / d) (25–04-QTZB) – bei der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig –
Wissenschaftliche:r / Technische:r Mitarbeiter:in im Bereich “Optomechatronische Komponenten & Systeme” (m / w / d)
Wissenschaftliche:r / Technische:r Mitarbeiter:in (m / w / d) im Bereich “Optomechatronische Komponenten & Systeme” (IOF-2024–02) – beim Fraunhofer-Institut für
Network
Connect with the Qcom Community!
Are you part of the Qcom community or would you like to join the Qcom community? Then you can access the networking platform here. The platform was specially developed to promote exchange within the Qcom community in Germany and Europe, to overcome fragmentation in the industry, and to create a highly networked, effective ecosystem that drives innovation and accelerates the commercialization of quantum communication technologies.
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Further Information
Downloads
View and download background information and materials.