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

Quantum Technology enables many new Applications
SQuaD Spokesperson Dr. Nicolas Spethmann about the Potential of Quantum Technology – In an interview published in mid-December 2025 in

Spotlight on Quantum-Secure Communication
PTB explains how to safeguard Data against future Quantum Computer Threats – Quantum Computers pose a serious threat to many

New Network for Quantum Technologies
Saxony launches “Quantum Saxony”: In mid-December 2025, the new research network for Quantum Technologies, SAX-QT (“Quantum Saxony”), was officially launched
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.
Events
Events with SQuaD

Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation VI
17 to 22 January 2026: Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation VI in San Francisco – Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation

SPIE Photonics West 2026
17 to 22 January 2026: SPIE Photonics West 2026 in San Francisco – SPIE Photonics West – the world’s largest photonics

Quantum Readiness in Practice
05 February 2026: Q‑PrEP 2026 “Quantum Readiness in Practice” in Athens – On 05 February 2026, the first in-person Q‑PrEP
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

W1-Juniorprofessur Quanten-Bioinformatik (m / W / d)
bei der Universität des Saarlandes (UdS) in Saarbrücken – befristete Anstellung („Beamtenverhältnis auf Zeit“) für drei Jahre; bei positivem Ergebnis des

Universitätsprofessor:in für Theoretische Quantenoptik (m / w / d)
Universitätsprofessor:in für Theoretische Quantenoptik (m / w / d) – bei der Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH) in Hannover – befristet

Mikrotechnolog:in Halbleiter / Waferprozessierung (m / w / d)
Mikrotechnolog:in (m / w / d) Halbleiter / Waferprozessierung – beim Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) in Berlin – Anstellung, Vergütung und
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.