QuNET partner workshops

As a precursor to the QuNET+ projects, three partner workshops were held in 2021 and 2022 to identify the initiative’s missing needs. With the help of various calls for proposals, the QuNET+ projects listed below were developed.

Results of the partner workshops

QuNET+RECONNAITRE

The following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+RECONNAITRE project to realise complexity-optimised quantum receivers with a free-beam interface:

  • Pixel Photonics GmbH
  • Universität Heidelberg
  • attocube Systems AG
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF 
  • Swabian Instruments GmbH
»Reconnaitre provides a mobile, low-maintenance and cost-effective quantum receiver based on superconducting technology, thus meeting a key need for large-scale QKD networks.«
Nicolai Walter
CEO Pixel Photonics (Project management QuNET+RECONNAITRE)

QuNET+ML

In order to optimise quantum communication networks using machine learning, the following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+ML project:

  • Infosim GmbH & Co. KG
  • ADVA Optical Networking SE
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • DFN-Verein e.V. (assoziierter Partner)
  • Deutsche Telekom Technik GmbH (assoziierter Partner)

»Our consortium complements QuNET with the optimisation of quantum communication networks through machine learning. This is particularly relevant in large multi-user networks. We look forward to working together!«

Dr. David Hock
Director of Research bei Infosim GmbH & Co. KG (Project management QuNET+ML)

QuNET+SKALE

In order to develop innovative ground stations for quantum communication, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+SKALE project:

  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH 
  • BearingPoint GmbH
  • Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. 
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF 
  • Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH
  • Kampf Telescope Optics GmbH
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH 

»The aim of the joint project QuNET+SKALE is to develop a ground station for use in tap-proof satellite-based quantum communication networks. This ground station is characterized by ease of use, a self-sufficient operating concept, high performance, modularity and a small form factor. In order to enable the compatibility of the ground station with various quantum communication technologies within QuNETs, ​​a modular concept is being developed and implemented.«

Maximilian Kögler
System Architect bei Mynaric (Project managementQuNET+SKALE)

QuNET+MOBIXHAP

To research mobile nodes for quantum communication, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+MOBIXHAP project:

  • MO-SPACE Raumfahrttechnik GmbH
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH
  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Photonische Mikrosysteme IPMS
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF 
  • TAO Trans-Atmospheric Operations GmbH
»The MOBIXHAP project is designing a network for quantum communication with airships in the stratosphere. Research into the technologies and solutions required for this are important building blocks for the realization of the highly secure communication systems planned in the QuNET Initiative. The MOBIXHAP project incorporates previous research results from the QuNET Initiative and sees itself as an important cooperation partner within the consortium. The project team is very much looking forward to the collaboration.«
Michael Ullrich
Managing Director of MO-SPACE Raumfahrtechnik GmbH (Project Management QuNET+MOBIXHAP)

QuNET+LORELAY

To test optimized lasers for quantum key distribution, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+LORELAY project:

  • ADVA Optical Networking SE
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen IIS 
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • TOPTICA Photonics AG
  • Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen 
  • ficonTEC Service GmbH 

»High-performance and secure quantum systems require powerful components to find their way into practice. In QuNET+LORELAY, a powerful consortium is developing low-noise lasers for the quantum-secure exchange of cryptographic keys and demonstrating the lasers in existing quantum systems.«

Dr. Tobias Fehenberger
Director R&D Strategy bei Adva Network Security GmbH (Project managementQuNET+LORELAY)

QuNET+FuNK

In order to provide compact optical communication systems for quantum-secure information exchange between authorities, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+FuNK project:

  • duotec GmbH
  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH
  • ND SatCom Products GmbH
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Photonische Mikrosysteme IPMS
  • CRYOVAC Gesellschaft für Tiefentemperaturtechnik mbH & Co KG
 
»In the FunK project, we are supplementing future quantum communication with both stationary and transportable communication nodes. This expands the range of applications for this technology and makes it possible to meet the requirements of many scenarios. As a consortium, we are convinced that we can make an important contribution to a future tap-proof communication infrastructure.«
Dr.-Ing Boudewijn Venema
Head of R&D Pre-Development Manager R&D Advanced Research (Project Management QuNET+FuNK)

QuNET+DECODE

To develop integrated high-performance receivers for quantum key distribution, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+DECODE project:

  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

QuNET+ProQuake

For innovative data post-processing for quantum key distribution, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+ProQuake project:

  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF 
  • Technische Universität Darmstadt
  • VPIphotonics GmbH
  • Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf

QuNET+ISQKMS

In order to develop an interoperable secure quantum key management system, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+ISQKMS project:

  • evolutionQ GmbH 
  • Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity GmbH 
  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • ADVA Optical Networking SE
  • dacoso GmbH 
  • Utimaco IS GmbH
  • OHB Systems AG
  • secunet Security Networks AG (assoziierter Partner)
»Quantum key management systems extend the range-limited point-to-point QKD connections to a branched QKD network with a significantly larger extent. QuNET+ISQKMS provides such a QKMS and creates the conditions for its certifiable and approved operation in government and commercial (KRITIS) networks.«
Dr. Daniel Minder
Product Manager at evolutionQ - Cybersecurity for the Quantum Age

QuNET+BlueCert

In order to promote the foundations for the testing and certification of quantum communication solutions, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+BlueCert project:

  • BearingPoint GmbH
  • TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH – Unternehmensgruppe TÜV Nord
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • Pixel Photonics GmbH
  • Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt PTB
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte und Integrierte Sicherheit AISEC
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Quantum Optics Jena GmbH (assoziierter Partner)
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH (assoziierter Partner)
»On the way to market readiness of quantum communication systems, certifiability is an essential step in order to gain the trust necessary for the use of this technology. In addition to coordinating and defining certification requirements, it must be ensured that these can be verifiably tested. This is where the QuNET+BlueCert project comes in to define the requirements for an exemplary test laboratory, produce quality testing hardware, implement such a laboratory and test it for different quantum communication systems. The broad-based team is looking forward to exchanging ideas with other partners in the QuNET family.«
Ulrich Seyfarth
Managing Quantum Technology Activities at BearingPoint

QuNET+ICLink

In order to develop an innovative, highly efficient single-photon source for secure data transmission using quantum cryptography in fiber optic networks, the following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces to form the QuNET+ICLink project:

  • Skyline Photonics GmbH
  • Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
  • Technische Universität Berlin
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF
»For a fundamentally secure encryption of the data transmitted in fiber optic networks, deterministic single-photon sources in the telecom wavelength range are required. In the ICLink project, we are developing these on the basis of semiconductor quantum dots that are pumped by a new type of mode-locked semiconductor laser. The performance of this compact single-photon emitter QKD system will be demonstrated by integrating it into a 75 km long fiber optic test track between Jena and Erfurt.«
Prof. Alfred Forchel
Managing Director. Sensalight Technologies Group

QuNET+OptiRoute

To realize optical routing for quantum key exchange within the QuNET initiative, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces to form the QuNET+OptiRoute project:

  • Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG
  • Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI (assoziierter Partner)
  • KEEQuant GmbH (assoziierter Partner)
»The QuNET+OptiRoute project is working on solutions for the simultaneous dynamic interconnection of quantum and classical signals at nodes of a branched network infrastructure in fiber-optic-based communication networks. With the help of experimental and simulation-based considerations, mutual interference between QKD and classical signals in the elements of modern network elements is investigated. Based on the results of the investigations, the research team will develop optimized designs of the network elements and QKD systems and demonstrate the compatibility of both technologies in a realistic field test.«
Michael Bärnreuther
Technical Manager at Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG