Germany is pooling its Expertise in the Field of Quantum Communication:
The Umbrella Project SQuaD is bringing Key Partners together within the Innovation Hub –
Quantum Communication promises tap-proof data transmission by making use of quantum mechanical effects. One of today’s most widely researched applications is that of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Following intensive research in this field, the technological leap from science to industry is now imminent. In the Innovation Hub for Quantum Communication, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding 36 institutions in order to foster connections between research institutes and industry. The accompanying umbrella project known as SQuaD is being coordinated by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in close cooperation with the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI). The project’s aim is to bring together stakeholders from research and industry while also working to expand the existing test environments for Quantum Communication Technology.
“Our primary objective in the coming years is to link companies and research institutes within a well-functioning network so that both sides can benefit from close exchange.” explains Dr. Nicolas Spethmann, Coordinator of the Umbrella Project for Quantum Communication in Germany (Schirmprojekt Quantenkommunikation Deutschland, or SQuaD). “The use of Quantum Key Distribution in addition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) can significantly enhance both IT security and Germany’s technological sovereignty.“ SQuaD’s mission further includes laying the groundwork for the emerging Quantum Communication Ecosystem, for example by providing test environments and reliable component testing setups, and by driving standardization and certification. The aim is to ensure that Germany and Europe remain independent in the field of Quantum Communication and avoid becoming reliant on non-European suppliers.
The following partners met at PTB in Berlin for an initial in-depth discussion:
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig und Berlin
- Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), Bonn
- KEEQuant GmbH, Fürth
- Quantum Business Network UG, Munich
- Universität des Saarlandes (UdS), Saarbrücken
- Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI, Karlsruhe
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF, Jena
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, HHI, Berlin
- Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH)
- Quantum Optics Jena GmbH, Jena
SQuaD is to function as a sort of switchboard to connect the latest research outputs with the industrial development of components, systems, and solutions for Quantum Communication. In close collaboration with the industry-led projects funded within the Innovation Hub for Quantum Communication, SQuaD will also address further activities on the path to a flourishing Quantum Communication Ecosystem. These will include reinforcing collaboration through workshops and shared work platforms, promoting standardization, and examining IT security aspects with respect to their certifiability. Each of these building blocks will boost the chances for successful technology transfer. In support of this endeavor, SQuaD has been granted funding totaling nine million euros over a period of 40 months.
Photo: SQuaD project partners and project sponsor representatives at the kick-off event in Berlin.
Photo source and source reference: https://www.ptb.de/cms/presseaktuelles/journalisten/nachrichten-presseinformationen/presseinfo.html?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=12454&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%5D=26&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=1&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2023&cHash=03858935c1d95295b3c011d4c5d65aa4
![BMBF_CMYK_Gef_M [Konvertiert]](https://www.squad-germany.de/ycickowu/elementor/thumbs/BMBF_gefoerdert_2017_en-qiq7ymwpjqrvffqhi8hnregfu44s81i39ktahjs6l6.jpg "BMBF_CMYK_Gef_M [Konvertiert]")