Quantum Technologies in Germany

Welcome to quantensysteme.info. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has been funding research in quantum technologies for many years. Here you will find an introduction the German quantum technologies ecosystem as well as news on BMFTR's research funding and current funding opportunities.

Confounding, but extremely powerful: quantum technologies could have a major impact on the economy and society in the future. Germany is one of the pioneers in the field - not least because of its longstanding history in photonics.

Computers that solve complex optimisation tasks in the shortest possible time, sensors of unprecedented accuracy and communication that cannot be intercepted unnoticed - quantum technologies have the potential to significantly change our lives.

However, they are of great importance not only socially, but also economically. McKinsey estimates that quantum technologies have the potential to create trillions of dollars in value worldwide by 2035. The fields of chemistry, life sciences, finance and mobility in particular will benefit (Mc Kinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2024).

Even if most of these applications are futuristic, quantum research in Germany is in full swing. Numerous universities and colleges as well as many research-based companies are working every day to bring quantum technologies out of the laboratory and into application, products and markets, and to find completely new solutions for social challenges.

In terms of public investment, Germany is second only to China (Mc Kinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2024). BMFTR is a major supporter of quantum research in Germany. By mid-2025, around 230 research projects funded by the Ministry are running, involving 400 partners from science and industry.
 

By the way: A particular strength of the German quantum ecosystem is its strong industrial base in the field of photonics, as the two areas are closely linked. That is why in 2022 the ministry coined the term quantumsystems to unite the two fields of research. Photonic components are important enablers for quantum technologies in many areas.

Photonic technologies also have many relevant applications by themselves, including in medicine, mobility and production. Over 1,000 companies in Germany belong to the photonics sector, which generated revenue of around 54 billion euros in 2023. Germany is also a major player internationally: around 40 per cent of photonic products in Europe come from Germany. German companies export all over the world and are world leaders for many photonic components and technologies (Spectaris).

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The BMFTR recognised the importance of quantum technologies for Germany at an early stage and has provided funding for applied research and development ever since. In 2018 the first major political commitment was made with the first all-government strategy termed “Quantum technologies – from basic research to market”. 2021 saw a major increase in budgets pouring additional ~ 2 Billion Euros into quantum technologies.

In 2022 the ministry’s “Quantum Systems Research Programme” was lauched. It funds R&D projects and other initiatives, for example promoting young talent and recruiting specialists. It also aims at leveraging synergies between the closely interlinked fields of quantum technologies and photonics. In addition, in 2023 the Federal Government has renewed its strategic commitment to quantum technologies with the “Quantum Technologies Conceptual Framework”. This strategic framework follows the first federal government level programm from 2018 and aims to establish Germany as a world leader in quantum technologies.

Below you will find selected funding measures with an international focus. An exhaustive list of all BMFTR funding measures in the field of quantum technologies can be found here (in German). The BMFTR's innovation agency VDI Technologiezentrum will be happy to give advise in English. Simply get in touch with the contact person named for the respective measure.

Stays abroad are a good way to prepare young talent and specialists in quantum technologies for the future and to promote scientific exchange across national borders. Numerous exchange programmes open up new scientific perspectives for those interested.

If you are interested in learning more about quantum technologies in Germany or our international cooperations, please feel free to contact the innovation agency commissioned by the BMFTR – VDI Technologiezentrum.