JENA, Germany ‒ As quantum technologies steadily transition into commercial deployments, separating immediate and long-term economic value from marketing hype is becoming a strategically important for leadership across industry, military and policy. Speaking during the opening session of W3+ Fair Jena, our CEO, Johannes Verst, delivered a keynote, “Quantum Applications Reality Check: Business Cases for End-Users and Market Potentials for Supply Chains.”
The address provided a clear-eyed assessment of where quantum sensing, quantum computing and quantum security are generating measurable value today across core European industries, including automotive, logistics, defence, manufacturing, chemicals and MedTech.
Bridging Supply Chains and Industrial Readiness
A central focus of the keynote was the indispensable role of the underlying enabling technologies: there is simply no quantum hardware without high-tech pioneers. Quantum systems achieve market readiness only through precision components, specialised materials and advanced engineering spanning photonics, optics, microelectronics and software.
Establishing resilient, collaborative ecosystems is essential to securing these emerging value chains within Europe. This commitment lies at the heart of QBN’s strategy. By bridging deeptech innovators, supply chain leaders and industrial end-users, QBN works to convert European scientific leadership into scalable industrial success.
Aligning Policy, Industry and Regional Strategy
The opening session brought together leaders from government, research and industry to discuss high-tech sovereignty and market development:
- Colette Boos-John, Thuringia’s Minister for Economic Affairs, set the political context by highlighting photonics as a flagship beacon for regional economic strength and European competitiveness.
- Dr. Dominic Dorfner, CEO of JENOPTIK, underscored the necessity of strong, integrated ecosystems in tackling multi-sector challenges across AI, supercomputing, MedTech, and defence.
- Prof. Andreas Tünnermann, Director of Fraunhofer IOF, offered critical insights into photonics supply chains, particularly regarding defence and security requirements.
Fostering European Collaboration
Beyond the stage, QBN actively engaged in discussions on technology policy, industrial strategy, and cross-border cooperation, deepening relationships with international delegations from Poland and France alongside long-standing partners from the global photonics community.
QBN extends its warm thanks to the W3+ Fair team and OptoNet e.V for the invitation and excellent execution of this year’s event.
Photo credit: W3+ Fair
About Quantum Business Network (QBN)
As international business network for quantum technologies QBN accelerates the growth of the quantum ecosystem by aligning industry end-users, component suppliers, researchers and policymakers to drive commercialisation, secure supply chain sovereignty and foster sustainable business growth across Europe and globally.
