05/22/2024
This year's "Quantum Computing Exchange Forum" (AFQC 2024) of the German Aerospace Centre took place on 13 and 14 May at the Haus der Wirtschaft in Stuttgart. More than 150 participants from research, politics and industry came together to discuss the current central question of quantum technology: How can we work together to provide access to as many users as possible and accelerate the integration of the technology in industry.
The two-day event was opened by Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Minister Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Dr Anna Christmann (BMWK) and Dr Anke Pagels-Kerp (DLR). The unique opportunity for Baden-Württemberg to position itself in the burgeoning market at an early stage was particularly emphasised.
Keynote presentations and panel discussions on the applications and challenges of quantum computing then led through two days of intensive dialogue. Political players discussed scaling issues such as standardisation, export guidelines, funding measures and the essential steps on the way to a profitable ecosystem with representatives from industry and science.
In addition to computing, the focus was also on the simulation of physical systems, where quantum computers that are already available today can provide added value, e.g. in battery and materials research. The afternoon of the second day was dedicated to enabling technologies. Organised by QuantumBW, Prof. Tilman Pfau (University of Stuttgart), Prof. Rüdiger Quay (Fraunhofer IAF) and Prof. Kai Bongs (DLR) discussed together with Dr Volkmar Denner (Spokesperson "Economy", QuantumBW) and Dr Michael Marthaler (CEO, HQS Quantum Simulations) which milestones are realistically achievable in the coming years, especially in sensor technology and simulation.
Afterwards, renowned representatives of enabling technologies such as Stuttgart Instruments and IFSW presented themselves in an open dialogue with up-and-coming start-ups in the industry such as Advanced Quantum, Diatope and Quantum Brilliance. Photonics BW was able to represent the interests of its members in this context and expand its contacts in the young ecosystem.