Flagship Lab enables holistic Research in Quantum Technologies:
In mid-May 2026, the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) inaugurated two new research laboratories. While the “Quantum Communication, Computing, and Sensing Lab” focuses entirely on Quantum Technologies, the “Holodeck” is dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human-machine interaction. The new research environments are intended to enable both innovations for future Quantum Communication Networks and developments at the interface between humans and machines. In addition to the Rector of TUD, Prof. Dr. Ursula M. Staudinger, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Martin Kiefer from the Sächsische Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr, as well as Prof. Dr. Frank Fitzek, holder of the Deutsche Telekom Chair for Communication Networks and spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence CeTI. The groundbreaking project is made possible through funding from the Bundesministeriums für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and the Free State of Saxony. The technological implementation is also being conducted in close cooperation with the partner projects Transfer-Hub 6G-life, QUARKS, and the Cluster of Excellence CeTI.
Research in the Quantum Laboratory focuses in particular on the integration of Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, and Quantum Sensing. This interdisciplinary approach is intended to unlock new possibilities beyond today’s network technologies. By combining these fields, the researchers aim to develop novel architectures to further enhance the performance of next-generation communication systems. “Unser Ziel ist es, über isolierte Quantenanwendungen hinauszugehen und stattdessen integrierte Systeme zu schaffen, in denen Kommunikation, Rechnen und Sensorik zusammenwirken, um echte kommerzielle Anwendungen zu ermöglichen”, explains Junior Professor Dr. Riccardo Bassoli. “Dieser ganzheitliche Ansatz versetzt uns in die Lage, neu zu definieren, was zukünftige Netzwerke wie 6G leisten können.”
Quantum Technologies are today considered a key technology for next-generation communication networks. While Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has so far been one of the most prominent applications, research in the new laboratory will cover a significantly broader range of quantum-based methods – including entanglement-based communication, advanced coding strategies in the sense of post-Shannon theory, as well as novel approaches to information processing and sensing. In addition, the researchers will investigate how Quantum Systems can be combined with existing network infrastructures such as 5G networks in order to set new benchmarks in terms of performance, security, and functionality.