Germany making a quantum leap: Who is leading the future of technology?

Germany making a quantum leap: Who is leading the future of technology?

On March 9, 2025, the Research and Innovation Expert Commission (EFI) published a comprehensive analysis of the future of quantum technologies in Germany. The results show that Germany and Europe have good conditions to keep up with countries such as the USA and China in international competition. However, breakthrough innovations in areas such as quantum computing, sensing and communications are necessary to achieve leadership.

The EFI emphasizes that many developments in the field of quantum technologies are still in their early stages. Therefore, strategic decisions are essential to consolidate Germany's position. In this context, European cooperation is seen as crucial to promote “Quantum Computing Made in Europe”. Professor Dr. Carolin Häussler points out that Germany has a strong tradition in quantum physics and excellent basic research that needs to be exploited.

Strategic measures and national quantum strategy

The EFI recommends that the federal government develop a national quantum strategy to promote the further development of quantum technologies. Important measures include the development of technology roadmaps, the expansion of regional innovation clusters and access to research infrastructure. Furthermore, a quantum benchmarking platform is proposed to measure progress in this promising area.

A central concern of the Federal Government is to secure and expand Germany's innovative strength and technological sovereignty in quantum technologies. The aim is to develop marketable products and at the same time make a contribution to overcoming social challenges in the areas of climate research, health, mobility and security. To ensure this, it is crucial to train and attract skilled workers.

Market proximity and innovation potential

Despite the opportunities offered by quantum technologies, there are still significant uncertainties about the time frame for the availability of universal quantum computers. Germany has only registered around 70 patents in quantum computing over the past two decades, indicating that the transfer of research results into practical applications has not been sufficiently advanced.

In order to increase competitiveness, the EFI is calling for an improvement in financing conditions for start-ups and support for research founders. The strategy formulated by the federal government aims to inform people about the opportunities offered by quantum technologies and to show the effects.

Of particular note, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the Year of Quantum Science and Quantum Technologies. This represents a significant milestone, especially since many applications are not yet ready for the market. Germany has the opportunity to actively shape developments and position itself as a pioneer.

Overall, quantum technologies offer great innovation potential for Germany and the EU. With the right support and a coordinated approach, German actors can be successful in global competition. The challenge is that the technologies not only remain in the context of basic research, but also find their place in industrial applications. uni-passau.de reports on the necessary measures to ensure this development, while the German federal government concrete steps in the national quantum strategy are outlined. For a comprehensive insight into the areas of application and the associated opportunities, take a look at the Optical Imaging Research of importance.