With QuantumBW, we want to take the final leap into the technology of the future.
Prof. Joachim Ankerhold
Institute of Complex Quantum Systems and QuantumBW spokeperson for science
Quantum Science and Technology
The laws of quantum mechanics open up completely new horizons for the development of future technologies. Whether in medical imaging, quantum computing, satellite navigation or information encryption and data security – the fields of application at Ulm University are diverse and the potential for innovation is enormous.
Ulm University – pioneer and partner in quantum research
As a pioneer in quantum research, Ulm University is working together with research institutions and partners from industry to open up the quantum world for the future. Our researchers are among the world's leading minds in the field of quantum physics. They are working at the highest level to understand and control quantum systems and to utilise their physical properties for new applications.
Three locations, one proposal for a Cluster of Excellence
The three locations Karlsruhe, Ulm and Stuttgart combine globally unique expertise in the field of quantum science. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Ulm University and the University of Stuttgart are in the next round for a "Cluster of Excellence" in the German federal and state governments' Excellence Strategy with their joint proposal "Chem4Quant".
Draft proposal "Chem4Quant"
In this joint project, an interdisciplinary team from the areas of chemistry, physics, computer science and materials science is seeking to develop atomically precise material structures to be used in future quantum technologies such as the quantum internet. The centrepiece of the proposal is a chemical platform that will be used to plan and construct qubit materials in a targeted manner.
The aim of the project is to develop atomically precise quantum architectures that are chemically tailored to specific quantum technological requirements. If the proposal is successful will be announced at the end of May 2025.
Our quantum research at a glance
Ulm University is one of the world's leading centres for quantum research. With its interdisciplinary approach and world-class research at the interface of physics, engineering, information and life sciences, it contributes significantly to the development of novel quantum technologies. Three outstanding institutions – the Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), the Center of Quantum BioScience (ZQB) and the startup NVision – illustrate our innovative strength and successful technology transfer.
Quantum research at a top level
IQST is one of the world's leading centres for quantum technologies. It was founded in 2014 by Ulm University, the University of Stuttgart and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, with KIT joining in 2024. The mission of the centre, which is unique in Germany, is to transfer basic scientific findings from quantum physics into technological applications across disciplinary boundaries.
Scientists from the fields of physics, materials science and engineering as well as information and life sciences conduct research at IQST. In highly specialised research laboratories, they work together on how the quantum mechanical properties of atoms, photons and electrons can be used to develop new methods and materials for quantum-based future technologies.
At the ZQB, more than 100 scientists are conducting research at the interface between quantum and life sciences.
Quantum-based technologies are used to develop high-performance sensors for medical imaging in order to observe metabolic processes in real time at the atomic level; a huge step forward for biomedical research and diagnostics. The ZQB also investigates quantum physical processes in biological systems: from bees' sense of direction to photosynthesis in plants.
An excellent example of successful technology transfer at the interface of quantum and life sciences is the start-up NVision, which was founded at the university in 2015. The technology developed by NVision makes it possible to use conventional magnetic resonance imaging devices for the visualisation of metabolic processes in real time without having to make major modifications.
With the help of quantum mechanical polarisation effects, the image signals are forced in such a way that cellular processes can be visualised at a molecular level. This could lead to massive advances in the diagnosis and treatment of people with cancer in the future. NVision delivered the first "Polaris" device for basic research at the beginning of 2025, and the product line for clinical use is expected to follow at the end of the year.
The company was founded by Ulm quantum physicists Professor Martin Plenio and Professor Fedor Jelezko, as well as Professor Alex Retzker from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. Ilai Schwartz.
Double funding for success
The quantum physicists Professor Martin Plenio and Professor Fedor Jelezko from Ulm have achieved an extraordinary success: They have received two ERC Synergy Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) – the European Union's most highly endowed funding format for outstanding, innovative and high-risk science.
Science at the highest level
Professor Martin Plenio and Professor Fedor Jelezko received the funding for the “BioQ” and “HyperQ” research projects: The first ERC Synergy Grant “BioQ”, endowed with 10.3 million euros, was approved in 2012. Co-applicant was the former Ulm chemist Professor Tanja Weil (Director at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz since 2017). The second Synergy Grant, worth 9.4 million euros, followed in 2019 with the successful "HyperQ" application, in which Professor Jan-Hendrik Ardenkjær-Larsen from the Technical University of Denmark was involved. In 2015, another 5 million euros were added from the EU project “Hyperdiamond”.
The common goal of these three projects, which are based on each other, is to revolutionize nuclear magnetic resonance applications such as magnetic resonance imaging. A vision that has partially become reality: highly sensitive biosensors and ultra-sensitive imaging techniques make it possible to observe molecular processes in living cells at the atomic level in real time. The researchers are relying on quantum mechanical hyperpolarization effects in artificial diamonds.
Accelerating the use of quantum technology
From precise navigation and advanced imaging to powerful computers: our researchers are improving new technologies in quantum research and are focussing on close collaboration between science and industry. Together with reinforced partners, we are creating a network that brings research into practice faster.
QuantumBW – Quantum ecosystem for the technologies of the future
Ulm University is part of a dynamic quantum ecosystem that has developed in Baden-Württemberg. In order to reinforce this ecosystem and bring research in the field of quantum technology into use more quickly, the state of Baden-Württemberg launched the QuantumBW innovation offensive in spring 2023.
The innovation offensive QuantumBW
The aim of the QuantumBW innovation offensive is to network basic and applied research with industrial partners and to promote an intensive exchange between science and industry. “Based on an already internationally unique research landscape in the quantum sciences, we want to take the final leap into the technology of the future with QuantumBW,” says Professor Joachim Ankerhold, quantum physicist at Ulm University and QuantumBW spokesperson for science. The spokesperson for industry is Dr. Volkmar Denner, former CEO of BOSCH. The state of Baden-Württemberg is providing more than 31 million euros for the innovation platform from 2023 to 2027.
In addition to Ulm University, the network's first partners include the Universities of Stuttgart, Freiburg, Tübingen, Heidelberg and Constance, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the German Aerospace Center, the Fraunhofer Society, the Max Planck Society, Carl Zeiss AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, the Mercedes-Benz Group and IBM Germany.
The DRL-QT – Quantum technologies for space travel
Quantum-based high-performance technologies for earth and weather observation, communication or navigation: this is the topic of the Institute of Quantum Technologies (DLR-QT) of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), founded in 2018. The institute's mission is to build a bridge from basic/fundamental research to practical applications in close cooperation with industry.
More accurate measurements and navigation
DLR-QT focuses on various areas of quantum technology, including quantum metrology, quantum sensor technology, matter wave optics, miniaturized optical clocks and quantum information technology.
The high-performance technologies developed at the DRL-QT not only benefit the aerospace industry. The demand for instruments with ever higher resolution – for example for measuring position, time and acceleration – is also enormous on Earth. Second-generation quantum technologies, such as high-precision quantum clocks, ensure much more accurate positioning for GPS systems and satellite-based navigation.
The DRL-QT is funded with around 11 million euros a year for research, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from Baden-Württemberg.
The Carl Zeiss Foundation Center for Quantum Photonics (QPhoton)
Two key technologies, one platform, anchored in Jena, Stuttgart and Ulm: the Carl Zeiss Foundation Centre for Quantum Photonics (QPhoton) is unique in Germany. Opened in 2022, the centre combines the disciplines of quantum technology and photonics at the three excellent research locations of Jena, Stuttgart and Ulm.
Unique centre for quantum photonics
In QPhoton, scientists from the universities of Jena, Stuttgart and Ulm are conducting interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research into the development of a new generation of quantum-based imaging, sensor and information technologies. The participating institutes are the Abbe Center of Photonics (University of Jena), ZAQuant (University of Stuttgart) and ZQB (Ulm University).
In cooperation with non-university partners, quantum-based basic research is put into practice. This involves highly sensitive sensor and imaging technologies as well as ultra-fast information processing, for example for quantum computers. QPhoton offers excellent research infrastructure at all three locations. This includes high-precision and laser laboratories as well as clean rooms and laboratories. The Carl Zeiss Foundation is funding the center with 12 million euros. The site spokesperson for Ulm is Professor Joachim Ankerhold, Head of the Institute for Complex Quantum Systems.
QSolid – Superconducting chips for the quantum computer
Cutting-edge technology for a quantum computer "Made in Germany": this is what the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) joint project QSolid, which has been funded with high double-digit million sums since 2022, is all about. Ulm University is one of the 25 German partner institutions from research and industry.
Cutting-edge technology "Made in Germany"
The QSolid platform, which is one of the world leaders in the field of quantum computing, put its first demonstrator into operation in 2024. The project not only aims to develop high-precision, low-error components and implement stringent system integration for high-performance computing. It is also about establishing supply chains in order to secure Germany's leading international role in quantum technology and thus its economic independence in the long term.
The aim of the large-scale project coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich is to independently research and build a quantum computer based on superconducting qubits.
Milestones in our quantum research
Highly sensitive information such as patient data or financial transactions must be protected against espionage. With the new quantum key distribution test track, Ulm University and DLR are researching tap-proof communication. This marks the beginning of a new era of quantum communication for the Science City and the region!