Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative extended: bundling research expertise, promoting young talent, creating networks
For over three years, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM have been working together in the Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative (QUIP) under the leadership of RPTU to create a network for quantum research in the state, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop new research and training programs. The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science and Health (MWG) is now providing €600,000 in funding to continue this commitment. State Secretary Nicole Steingaß presented the funding approval on February 5.
“Quantum technologies are key to future innovations,” explains Professor Werner Thiel, Vice President for Research and Innovation at RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau. “They can be used to solve central challenges in the fields of computing, sensor technology, materials research, and communication.”
Rhineland-Palatinate already has outstanding structures in this area: With two quantum computer demonstrators at RPTU and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the Competence Center for Quantum Computing at Fraunhofer ITWM, and innovative projects combining quantum computing and artificial intelligence at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the state is excellently positioned. Another research topic is miniaturized quantum sensors, which will enable unique medical and biological applications in the future, as well as new protocols for secure communication.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative (QUIP) brings together state-wide expertise in this future-oriented field, creates visibility, and develops a vibrant quantum ecosystem that closely links excellent research, the promotion of young talent, and applications.
"The state government has already provided €1.2 million for the implementation of the Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative at the end of 2022. With the state funding of €600,000 presented today, the successes of the first funding period will be further expanded and the achievements made so far within the framework of project funding will be sustainably anchored. Our goal is to position Rhineland-Palatinate as a visible and competitive location for quantum technology," says Nicole Steingaß, State Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Health. With quantum technology, the state is promoting one of the most significant technological developments of the coming decades.
In addition to cutting-edge research, QUIP attaches great importance to the training of qualified specialists. “With our program for research stays from abroad, we are succeeding in attracting highly qualified scientists to Rhineland-Palatinate,” explains Professor Herwig Ott, head of the initiative. “In this way, we are making an important contribution to the future viability of our federal state.”
In the second funding phase, which is now beginning, QUIP will further expand its activities, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and create new training opportunities for the experts of tomorrow. With its continued funding, Rhineland-Palatinate is underlining the strategic importance of quantum technologies and, with QUIP, continues to focus on competence building, cooperation, and innovation in a key field of the future.