11 Juni From the lab to the market: quantum technology receives DPG award
In recognition of the successful transfer of scientific findings into practical applications, the German Physical Society (DPG) has awarded its Technology Transfer Prize to the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, the Digital Innovation Hub Photonics (DIHP) and the Fraunhofer IOF spin-off Quantum Optics Jena. The award, which annually honors the successful transfer of technologies from research to industry, was presented on 22 May as part of the 6th KTT Forum (Forum Wissens- und Technologietransfer im Dialog) in Bremen. The prize was handed over by former DPG president Dr. Lutz Schröter.
Technology transfer for complete QKD systems
The sources for entangled photons developed by the prizewinners and the optical systems based on these sources for quantum key distribution (QKD) form the basis for highly secure quantum-based communication. The highly efficient photon sources are the centerpiece of Quantum Optics Jena. Fraunhofer IOF has developed the necessary scientific know-how to make these sources usable for industry and thus for commercial applications. In addition to optical components, specialized software is also required for the implementation of complete QKD systems. The optical components were therefore joined by electronic hardware for detecting entangled states and software modules for secure key generation.
The QKD systems for highly secure quantum communication are already being used in areas with increased security requirements, including the financial sector, critical infrastructure, public data and the security sector.
Spin-offs as the key to technology transfer
DIHP is a key player in the transfer of photonic technologies into marketable applications at Fraunhofer IOF. As part of the Photonics High-Performance Center, a joint initiative of the Fraunhofer IOF, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Leibniz Institutes HKI and IPHT and the Helmholtz Institute Jena, the DIHP actively promotes the transfer of new ideas and research designs from the field of optics and photonics to industry. In particular through innovative (spin-off) start-ups and collaborations between regional, national and international start-ups and science in Jena, one of which is Quantum Optics Jena, whose start-up process was supported by the DIHP.
Technology Transfer Prize
According to the DPG, the Technology Transfer Prize is awarded annually to a successful technology transfer from a research institute to a company. It is awarded jointly to the parties involved – research institute, transfer institution and implementing company – and is intended to emphasize the importance of cross-institutional cooperation for future technologies.
Source: www.iof.fraunhofer.de
Image: Gabriele Becker / DPG