QuNET initiative: Highly secure communication through quantum physics

The technology transfer of quantum communication technologies from the QuNET core consortium to industry is becoming increasingly important. To further advance the application of this knowledge, the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) hosted the industry workshop for future applications of the QuNET initiative. Experts from science, industry, and politics discussed the strategic importance of quantum communication for Germany.

State Secretary, Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), emphasized the importance of quantum communication for the digital future. He also participated in the subsequent panel discussion, addressing the political and economic framework conditions for technology transfer.

Fraunhofer HHI as a driver of technology transfer
Fraunhofer HHI is one of the world's leading research institutes in the field of mobile and optical communication networks and video signal coding, and plays a central role in the development and implementation of quantum communication technologies.

Institute Director, Prof. Dr. Martin Schell, comments: “Secure and protected communication in electricity, data, and transport networks is essential. The QuNET initiative plays a key role in the development of such communication systems. The aim is to use our research to support industry in developing and deploying secure and robust IT networks for critical infrastructures.”

Prof. Andreas Tünnermann, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, and QuNET project manager, adds: “The broad interest of industry and other stakeholders in the QuNET workshop series impressively demonstrates the importance of secure communication systems for our society, as well as the willingness to create future-proof solutions in light of national digital and technological sovereignty. German and European companies want to make an important contribution here and open up new markets.”

The QuNET initiative, funded by the BMFTR, develops highly secure communication systems based on state-of-the-art quantum technology. It lays the foundation for IT networks that are already equipped to withstand the cyberattacks of tomorrow.

In addition to Fraunhofer HHI, QuNET brings together leading research institutions such as the Fraunhofer and Max Planck Societies, the German Aerospace Center, and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg to advance the future of secure digital infrastructure. Twelve industry-led QuNET+ projects, involving a total of 26 companies, specifically promote the transfer of knowledge between research and industry.

The initiative aims to create a quantum network that guarantees secure data transmission between federal authorities, protected against manipulation and eavesdropping.

A particular highlight of the workshop was a live demonstration showcasing the practical application of quantum communication technologies in an industrial environment. Two leading industry partners, PixelPhotonics and attocube, took part in the presentation. Additionally, the industry exhibition—with kiosks, exhibits, and posters—offered a comprehensive insight into the quantum communication ecosystem in Germany.

The joint exhibit of the QuNET initiative was also on display, featuring a mockup of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system as its centerpiece. It illustrates QKD data previously obtained in the laboratory and playfully explains the principle of data encryption and the importance of keeping keys secret. Other exhibits showed the technological development of quantum hardware.