State-wide centre for quantum science: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology joins IQST as a new partner

For the past ten years, the Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST) at the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in quantum science and technology. Its mission extends beyond basic research to focus on potential applications and their benefits for society. With the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a further supra-regional institution has now joined the world-renowned centre, marking a significant step towards a state-wide network for the scientific "quantum community" in Baden-Württemberg.

The mission of IQST is to further our understanding of nature and develop innovative technologies based on quantum science by leveraging synergies between the natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences. "Many KIT scientists already successfully support IQST with their expertise as Fellows. All the more I am pleased that the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is now joining our interdisciplinary centre as an institution," says IQST  Director Prof. Stefanie Barz. "This will strengthen networking within the academic quantum community in Baden-Württemberg," emphasizes Barz, an expert in quantum information and quantum technology from the Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies  (FMQ)  at the University of Stuttgart.

Focus on applications

IQST scientists collaborate on innovative research in quantum science and explore applications that will benefit society. "Although quantum technologies still require significant basic research, the focus on applications is becoming increasingly important," explains physicist Prof. Fedor Jelezko, IQST Director and Head of the Institute of Quantum Optics at the University of Ulm . "KIT joining IQST decisively strengthens this centre of excellence in quantum science in Baden-Württemberg," Jelezko continues. Among other things, quantum technologies will make sensors for manufacturing and medical technology more precise and efficient, ensure secure communication channels, and enhance high-performance computing. Promising areas of application are already emerging, particularly in sensor technology and communications.

Bundled competence in quantum research

"By joining the network, KIT scientists will become part of an established research network in quantum technologies in Baden-Württemberg," explains chemist Prof. Mario Ruben from the Institute of Quantum Materials and Technologies (IQMT) at KIT. KIT's profile in the field of quantum technologies, in particular with its focus on molecular and superconducting quantum bits, fits in very well with the activities developed by IQST over the last ten years. 

Joint Cluster of Excellence initiative Chem4Quant

KIT and the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm are also pooling their expertise in quantum research through the joint Cluster of Excellence initiative "Chem4Quant" [WJ1] which focuses on molecular quantum systems, a new area of quantum technologies. This rapidly developing branch of science complements the expertise developed at IQST over the past decade and is expected to further strengthen Baden-Württemberg's globally leading position in the quantum sciences.

Open to the research community and young talent

Key objectives for the growing IQST include the development of a new interdisciplinary understanding of quantum systems, the use of quantum technologies to solve major societal challenges, and the communication of these advances to the public. IQST is open to researchers from across Baden-Württemberg. In addition, the centre is dedicated to promoting young scientists through Master's, graduate and postdoctoral programmes. For example, at the beginning of 2025 eleven doctoral projects will start at the IQST Graduate School school @QuantumBW.

About the IQST and quantum technologies in Baden-Württemberg

IQST was founded in 2014 on the initiative of Prof. Wolfgang Schleich (University of Ulm) and Prof. Tilman Pfau (University of Stuttgart). In addition to the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF) in Stuttgart is its third founding member. The centre is funded by its partner institutions, the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK). MWK funded the entire centre from 2014 to 2019 and again from July 2024 through the IQST Graduate School @QuantumBW

As part of the Baden-Württemberg innovation campus “QuantumBW”, which aims to bring quantum technologies to market maturity, IQST connects the scientific “quantum community” and forms its academic platform. It is also part of the nationwide Quantum Alliance network.
 

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Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.