Quantum technology is ready

The event kicked off on Wednesday evening with a panel discussion at the Campus Founders premises. The TUM Campus Heilbronn was on hand as a partner and host. The moderator was Professor Ali Sunyaev,Vice President of the Campus: “We are still a start-up, but we have been able to develop in this unique ecosystem over the last five years and now have over 1000 students.” To do that, the conditions and focus have to fit. "Only by working together can we be successful in the long term," says the professor, and then gets straight into the discussion: “The best way to get started is to go deep into the topic of quantum.”

Professor Achim Kempf from the University of Waterloo kicked off the discussion: “The limit of classical data processing is the speed of light. When it comes to big problems, quantum computing can be astronomically faster.” The breakthrough of this technology came last year.“ Meanwhile, more errors are being fixed before new ones occur.” And a solution also seems to have been found for another problem: “It is now possible to copy the code, encrypt the information and use it for different tasks.” Until now, there was no ‘copy and paste’ in this area.

Finding concrete fields of application

Dr Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Board of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, expressed concerns. For commercial success, concrete applications are needed, otherwise enthusiasm for the ‘holy grail’ of quantum will quickly wane again. Laura Schulz, Head of Quantum Computing and Technologies at the Leibniz Supercomputing Center, also shares this view. The focus must be on integration and participation.

Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs Munich, highlighted the opportunities, because of the eleven labs that TUM unites, the ‘Quantum Semicon’ area is receiving the most funding and there is an explosion of ideas. One example of success is Plan QC GmbH, which is already successfully developing quantum computers. Managing Director Dr Sebastian Blatt looks back: After participating in the CDL in 2021, the company has established itself in the market.

Goals and challenges

This was also the goal of the start-ups from across Europe, who were advised by experienced mentors on the second day. On the one hand, in defining goals, and on the other hand, in possible challenges along the way. In one-on-one and group discussions, the ideas of the young founders were thoroughly examined. The ideas in the field of quantum remain exclusive, but the experts shared their experience: Visions, storytelling and a long-term business plan are essential for success.

Students from the TUM Campus Heilbronn also benefited from the lively discussions. Ying Chen, a Master’s student in Management & Technology, is pleased: “I am planning my own start-up and am glad to benefit from the insights of experienced mentors.” TUM student Mateusz Kalinka is looking for supporters: “We have founded a Deep Tech Club for students here on campus, and maybe we will also find mentors for this project at the CDL.”

At the end of the two inspiring days, Vice President Ali Sunyaev draws a positive conclusion: “The organization of this session in Heilbronn underlines the growing importance of the Heilbronn-Franken region in the field of Deep Tech. TUM is pleased to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem and to promote forward-looking collaborations.” The positive influence of young talent should not be limited to the region: “I hope that our students go out and make the world a better place.”