"Bavaria, with Munich as its epicenter, is one of the top locations internationally for quantum technologies. In order to further extend our lead in this field, we urgently need highly qualified young scientists," explained Science Minister Markus Blume during an exchange with the scientific coordinator of Munich Quantum Valley, Prof. Rainer Blatt, in Munich.
"Investing money in research and technology is one thing, fostering talent is another. We are bringing the two together: attracting the bright minds at Bavaria's universities to quantum research and quickly making them fit for the future. The physics faculties will receive a total of one million so that they can expand practical and industry-related training in quantum sciences and technologies across the board," Blume said.
"Given the rapid development of the field of quantum technologies, the availability of suitable specialists is key," Prof. Blatt emphasized. "Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Technical University of Munich have already established a degree program in 'Quantum Science and Technology' (QST), and broadening the educational base is now an important step to give further impetus to the development."
Network for quantum technologies unique within Europe
As part of its technology offensive, the Hightech Agenda Bavaria, which is unique in Germany, the Free State of Bavaria is investing around 300 million euros in the field of quantum science and technologies alone.
The centerpiece is the founding of the "Munich Quantum Valley" (MQV) initiative, an alliance of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), as well as the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, and the Max Planck Society (MPG).
The central goal: to establish a Center for Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology (ZQQ) over the next five years. Three central quantum computing technologies will be available here: a computer based on superconducting qubits, as well as those with qubits based on ions and atoms.
In addition, a quantum technology park will be created to provide research capacities and to accelerate the rapid translation of scientific findings into market-ready products. These activities will be bolstered by the establishment of training and continuing education programs and measures to support quantum technology start-ups.
Promoting the full spectrum of quantum science and technologies
Supporting the physics faculties of Bavarian universities is one of several programs within the overall MQV project. The faculties can use the funds to procure technological equipment for experimental courses and exercises at an advanced level, which will enable practical teaching with a direct link to industry, such as in the important research fields of quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing.
In this way, the funding program strengthens the training of highly qualified specialists across the board and thus the international competitiveness of Bavarian companies.
Find the original German version of the press release here.