"To ensure reliable and secure communication and to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty in the field of new quantum technologies, we are committed to the goal of establishing a multinational quantum network in the EU," explains Paul de Krom, CEO of TNO. The network will be made available to industry and academia as a testbed for developing new products and applications and unlocking the full potential of distributed quantum computing. To this end, the partners will work together to establish technology and interface standards in the fields of quantum communication and quantum information networks and will contribute to European agenda-setting in a coordinated manner.

For example, QuTech and Fraunhofer have agreed to work together in future on the establishment of complex QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) networks across borders or in the area of nodes in Germany and the Netherlands. They will also jointly develop integrated photonic solutions for such networks.

Pan-European quantum network

In order to play a leading role worldwide in the implementation and application of new quantum technologies and to remain competitive against the market powers of the USA and China, immense joint, transnational efforts by European science, industry and society are necessary," says Prof. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

The near future holds many challenges and new opportunities for cooperation. For example, further tenders for European quantum communication infrastructures in transnational networks can be expected, which will strengthen Europe's competitive position in these important technologies. "Such infrastructures require a cross-border strategy between the leading countries and players for the development of the various technologies and a clear understanding of the different positions, roles and interests," explains Dr. Kees Eijkel, Head of Business Development at QuTech.

Combining inventive and entrepreneurial spirit

Since 2019, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and QuTech have been working closely together to develop optical components for quantum communication and information as part of an ICON project, a Fraunhofer program for cooperation with excellent international partners. The benefits of the fruitful collaboration are already reflected in the development of a quantum frequency converter (QFC) architecture, which was recently demonstrated by Fraunhofer ILT with a world record in terms of low noise and improved signal-to-noise ratio.

The memorandum of understanding extends the existing cooperation and puts it on a broader footing with the expertise of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. In addition, the two institutions are planning to install the first German quantum node of a transnational quantum network at Fraunhofer ILT. This will serve as an extension and test environment as well as a springboard for a European approach to an entanglement-based quantum internet. The basis for this will be the QuTech technology and the QFC technology of the Fraunhofer ILT. Prof. Constantin Häfner, Director of Fraunhofer ILT, gives an outlook: "The close, cross-border cooperation is an essential part of the joint establishment of an innovation ecosystem for quantum technologies in order to drive forward the transfer of technology and, in cooperation with RWTH Aachen University, talent in business and industry and to be competitive in the global marketplace."