13 Jan. Quantum Saxony – a regional network for quantum research
In order to specifically advance quantum technologies and transfer them into industrial applications, the Saxon Research Network for Quantum Technologies SAX-QT ‘Quantum Saxony’ was launched in December 2025. According to the partners, the aim of the network is to strategically bundle and further expand the expertise in the Free State of Saxony in the field of quantum technologies and to raise its international profile. Quantum Saxony aims to bring together the expertise of universities and non-university research institutions, involving associations, start-ups, and industry partners.
The network describes itself as an open platform that continuously integrates new partners and supports exchange between research, industry, and politics. The aim is to make the interdisciplinary expertise in Saxony—from materials science to micro- and nanoelectronics to software development—economically viable in a targeted manner. Another key concern is the development of qualified specialists, as emphasized by the network representatives: Targeted education and training programs are to be used to train young talent and quantum experts for research and industry.
Pilot production at Fraunhofer IPMS
According to its own statements, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is taking on a central coordinating role within Quantum Saxony, contributing its many years of experience in application-oriented research, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer. The expertise of IPMS is intended to pave the way from the research laboratory to industrial production – from lab to fab. “Our industry-grade clean room enables us to test new quantum materials and components under real production conditions and transfer them to pilot production,” says Dr. Benjamin Lilienthal-Uhlig, Head of Next Generation Computing at Fraunhofer IPMS. „This is a unique selling point that significantly strengthens Saxony’s innovative power. Start-ups and small to medium-sized companies in particular benefit from the fact that we can offer them pilot production at wafer level.“
Renowned network partners and start phase support
In addition to Fraunhofer IPMS, network partners include Infineon, GlobalFoundries, RWTH Aachen University, Imec, CEA-LETI, VTT, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. The network is coordinated by Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer IPMS, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, and Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research IFW Dresden.
The EU and the Free State of Saxony are supporting the network’s development phase until the end of 2027 with three million euros in ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funding.
More information: quantum-saxony.de
Source and image: www.ipms.fraunhofer.de