Study by Fraunhofer ISI and Universität des Saarlandes highlights current Trends, technological Developments, and future Application Perspectives in Quantum Communication:
Secure communication is a central prerequisite for free societies and the protection of critical infrastructures. With the increasing capabilities of Quantum Computers, established encryption methods could reach their limits in the long term. Quantum Communication offers new approaches to addressing these challenges: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), for example, enables the secure exchange of cryptographic keys based on the principles of Quantum Mechanics. In addition, Quantum Repeaters play a crucial role in enabling communication over long distances.
Against this background, the Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung (ISI) and Universität des Saarlandes (UdS) have published a new study within the framework of the Schirmprojekt Quantenkommunikation Deutschland (SQuaD), examining the current state of Quantum Communication Technologies. In addition to a quantitative analysis of current publication and patent activities as well as technology funding, the updated monitoring report provides an overview of various technologies, their market maturity, and key opportunities and challenges. The report also examines different development stages of Quantum Communication – ranging from established QKD approaches to future Quantum Repeaters and Quantum Networks.
Complementing this analysis, current survey data provide insights into trends and potential development paths: from secure communication applications in the near future to further application areas such as distributed Quantum Sensing and cloud-based Quantum Services. The results indicate that secure communication applications are likely to represent the first broader fields of application, while more advanced applications may gain importance in the long term as technological maturity increases. At the same time, the report highlights the strategic relevance of Quantum Communication for technological sovereignty and emphasizes the importance of research, infrastructure development, and standardization for its further advancement. Click here for the monitoring report.