The German government announced on 26 April 2023 the “Action plan for Quantum Technologies”, with the aim to establish Germany as a world leader in quantum technologies and secure sovereign access to this important future technology. The action plan will serve as a new strategic framework for the next 3 years, from 2023 to 2026.
3 priorities:
- Bringing quantum technologies into practical use across businesses, society, and state institutions – especially focusing on create application-ready products in the fields of quantum sensor technology and quantum communication with the goal to strengthen national security and take an independent path in international competition.
- Driving targeted technology development in quantum computing – including the creation of standards and norms and a focus on advancing quantum computing in areas such as quantum software and hardware, algorithms, and applications.
- Creating excellent conditions for a strong ecosystem – including fostering a startup culture, promoting networking between science and business, and creating excellent conditions.
Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research (quote translated from German).
“With the action plan, we in Germany want to secure a place at the top of the world in quantum technologies and our technological sovereignty.”
Aiming for technological sovereignty includes the commitment of the German Government to strengthen European collaborations and joint efforts.
According to the Federal Ministry for Research and Education (BMBF), the quantum technology research promises, for example, “smaller hard disks in computers, more precise navigation systems, e.g. for autonomous cars and traffic guidance systems, as well as ultra-precise clocks. Powerful computer simulations of chemical processes will make it easier to find new active #agents against diseases. More accurate sensors will detect diseases earlier than today. In addition, data traffic can be made more tap-proof, e.g. in electronic #patient records, in social #networks, in #banking transactions or in e-mail traffic.”
The new action plan was developed under the leadership of the BMBF with contribution of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs, the German Federal Ministry of Defense, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport.
