The North Rhine-Westphalian quantum technology roadmap
This position paper is based on discussions and workshops during the creation of the NRW Quantum Roadmap. Over the course of 2024, around 200 experts from North Rhine-Westphalia's quantum community contributed to it.
On the one hand, it serves to determine the position: Where does North Rhine-Westphalia stand in quantum technologies? Where does our state have strengths? How do we compare internationally? What measures can be taken to activate the abundant potential? Answers to these questions are provided by a detailed analysis of the market environment and in-depth insights into the technological and strategic challenges in the first two chapters.
On the other hand, the paper formulates positions from the quantum community. Under the umbrella of EIN Quantum NRW, the roadmapping process brought together an equal number of players from industry and science in NRW: Pioneers of quantum technologies who have exchanged their positions and visions and are now - as an interim result of an ongoing process - passing these on to the political decision-makers of North Rhine-Westphalia in condensed form. The authentic positions from the sector are summarized in the third chapter.
They convey a clear vision: the “quantum technology state of NRW” is within reach. It can build on an excellent basis - by global standards - and should strive to play a leading role in the future fields of quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensor technology.
As a position statement based directly on scientific and industrial practice, this paper provides feasible visions. It names the actors involved, defines strategic infrastructural measures and outlines milestones of a roadmap. North Rhine-Westphalia can combine its strong industrial base with the quantum technology expertise of its universities and research institutions to create a successful industry of the future. This requires a lively exchange, outstanding education and training and effective technology transfer.
There is a need for jointly used infrastructures and test fields where players from industry and research can jointly drive forward the development, testing and concrete application of quantum technology hardware and software.
Thanks to its central location in Europe and densely populated metropolitan regions with short distances, NRW holds all the trump cards. As the quantum community in NRW, we are sending a clear signal with this position paper: we are ready for the start of the “quantum technology state of NRW”!
The position paper was presented to the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and the Ministry of Culture and Science at an event on January 28, 2025.
To downlod the position paper, please follow that link: Positionspapier NRW-Quantentechnologien – EIN Quantum NRW
