KIT is a national leader in quantum technologies

"The classification as the most important quantum cluster in Germany and the second strongest in the European Union underlines the national and international appeal of our location," says Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Research, Teaching and Academic Affairs at KIT. "It confirms our long-term approach of closely interlinking basic research, application-oriented development and industrial implementation."

According to the ECIPE ranking, the quantum location Karlsruhe is characterized in particular by its high mediation power. It highlights the KIT as a "Top Research Collaborator". In the sub-category "external collaborations", the city is ranked first worldwide, and third in the overall ranking of all collaborations. In addition, the study attests the quantum cluster in Karlsruhe second place for its ability to build bridges between otherwise separate scientific and technological communities ("bridging power"). According to the authors, this is the first international ranking that compares quantum locations according to market focus, cooperation and degree of maturity. Around 130 locations worldwide were analyzed.

Quantum research at KIT

Quantum technology research at KIT covers a broad spectrum - from basic research on quantum materials to the development and realization of application-oriented systems for future technologies. Key topics include quantum materials and their integration into functional devices, including quantum spintronics and molecular quantum spin systems, superconducting quantum circuits and hybrid quantum architectures that couple spins, photons and superconducting circuits, and with which the researchers transfer, test and further develop quantum keys.

One of the most significant breakthroughs of recent years has been the discovery of a new class of optically addressable molecular spins with exceptional optical coherence. To demonstrate the potential of these systems for quantum communication, the KIT researchers have set up a 20 km long fiber optic link between the North Campus and the South Campus of the KIT, which the researchers use to transmit, test and further develop keys. They also want to set up a quantum network that will enable quantum computers to be linked, among other things. In parallel, the scientists are researching the optical readout of quantum systems and the coupling of molecular nanostructures with photons - decisive steps on the way to scalable quantum architectures.