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
  • University Heidelberg
  • attocube Systems AG
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering 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-University Kiel
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • DFN-Verein e.V. (associated partner)
  • Deutsche Telekom Technik GmbH (associated 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 at 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 institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+SKALE project:

  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH 
  • BearingPoint GmbH
  • German Aerospace Centre e.V. 
  • FFriedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
  • Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH
  • Kampf Telescope Optics GmbH
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH 

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

Maximilian Kögler
System Architect at Mynaric (Project management QuNET+SKALE)

QuNET+MOBIXHAP

The following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+MOBIXHAP project to research mobile nodes for quantum communication:

  • MO-SPACE Raumfahrttechnik GmbH
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH
  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering 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 realisation of the high-security communication systems planned in the QuNET initiative. The MOBIXHAP project incorporates previous research results from the QuNET initiative and sees itself as an important co-operation partner within the consortium. The project team is excited about the collaboration.«
Michael Ullrich
Managing Director of MO-SPACE Raumfahrtechnik GmbH (Project ManagementQuNET+MOBIXHAP))

QuNET+LORELAY

To test optimised lasers for quantum key distribution, the following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+LORELAY project:

  • ADVA Optical Networking SE
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • TOPTICA Photonics AG
  • Rheinisch-Westfälische Technical University Aachen
  • ficonTEC Service GmbH 

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

Dr. Tobias Fehenberger
Director R&D Strategy at Adva Network Security GmbH (Project Management QuNET+LORELAY)

QuNET+FuNK

The following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+FuNK project to provide compact optical communication systems for the quantum-safe exchange of information between authorities:

  • duotec GmbH
  • Mynaric Lasercom GmbH
  • ND SatCom Products GmbH
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS
  • CRYOVAC GmbH & Co KG
 
»In the FunK project, we are supplementing future quantum communication with both stationary and transportable communication nodes. This will increase the range of applications for this technology and fulfil the requirements of many scenarios in the first place. 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 Advanced Research Manager R&D Advanced Research (Project Management QuNET+FuNK)

QuNET+DECODE

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

  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg

QuNET+ProQuake

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

  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
  • Technical University Darmstadt
  • VPIphotonics GmbH
  • Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf

QuNET+ISQKMS

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

  • evolutionQ GmbH 
  • Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity GmbH 
  • KEEQuant GmbH
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • ADVA Optical Networking SE
  • dacoso GmbH 
  • Utimaco IS GmbH
  • OHB Systems AG
  • secunet Security Networks AG (associated partner)
»Quantum key management systems extend the range-limited point-to-point QKD connections to a branched QKD network with a significantly greater extension. QuNET+ISQKMS provides such a QKMS and creates the prerequisites for its certifiable and approvable operation in official and commercial (KRITIS) networks.«
Dr. Daniel Minder
Product Manager at evolutionQ - Cybersecurity for the quantum age

QuNET+BlueCert

The following companies, universities and research institutes have joined forces in the QuNET+BlueCert project to promote the basis for testing and certifying quantum communication solutions:

  • BearingPoint GmbH
  • TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH – Unternehmensgruppe TÜV Nord
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • Pixel Photonics GmbH
  • Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt PTB
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI
  • Quantum Optics Jena GmbH (associated partner)
  • Quantum Space Systems GmbH (associated partner)
»On the path to market maturity for quantum communication systems, certifiability is an essential step in gaining the trust required to utilise this technology. In addition to the coordination and definition of certification requirements, it must be ensured that these can be verifiably tested. This is where the QuNET+BlueCert project comes in, in order 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 team is looking forward to exchanging ideas with other partners in the QuNET family.«
Ulrich Seyfarth
Managing Quantum Technology Activities at BearingPoint

QuNET+ICLink

The following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces in the QuNET+ICLink project to develop an innovative, highly efficient single photon source for secure data transmission using quantum cryptography in fibre optic networks:

  • Skyline Photonics GmbH
  • Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
  • Technical University of Berlin
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
»Deterministic single photon sources in the telecoms wavelength range are required for secure encryption of data transmitted in fibre optic networks. 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 is to be demonstrated by integrating it into a 75 km long fibre optic test link between Jena and Erfurt.«
Prof. Alfred Forchel
Managing Director. Sensalight Technologies Group

QuNET+OptiRoute

In order to realise optical routing for quantum key exchange within the QuNET initiative, the following companies, universities and research institutions have joined forces in the QuNET+OptiRoute project:

  • Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG
  • Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
  • Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI (associated partner)
  • KEEQuant GmbH (associated 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 fibre-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 being investigated. Based on the results of the investigations, the research team will develop optimised 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