Germany Outlines Quantum Strategy Focused on Error-Corrected Systems, Applied Research, and International Collaboration
At Quantum World Congress 2025, Dr. René Haak of the Embassy of Germany detailed Germany’s rapidly expanding quantum program—now backed by a new federal ministry, €3 billion in investment, an ambitious 2030 systems roadmap, and a strong commitment to applied research, workforce development, and global partnerships.
Delivering the National Quantum Update: Germany at Quantum World Congress 2025, Dr. René Haak of the Embassy of Germany presented a comprehensive overview of Germany’s quantum technology strategy—from the country’s historic foundations to major new investments, a new federal ministry, and the national roadmap to 2030.
“Quantum is a team sport—and Germany is a team player.”
Haak began by grounding the audience in Germany’s long tradition of quantum research, citing figures such as Heisenberg and Max Planck, whose foundational work continues to shape global quantum science. But the modern era of German quantum policy began in 2016 with expert interviews, followed by a 2017 strategy paper jointly developed by academia and industry that launched Germany’s first pilot projects.
A Decade of Rapid Investment and Strategic Programs
Germany’s first government funding program—Quantum Technologies: From Basic Research to Market—was launched soon after. It established a clear national goal: strengthen quantum research and accelerate translation into applied technologies.
In the years that followed, Germany introduced an unprecedented €2 billion quantum stimulus package, supporting both basic and applied research. By 2021, Germany had developed Agenda Q 2030, informed by more than 300 experts from Germany, Europe, and around the world. The agenda laid the foundations for a coordinated, long-term national quantum strategy.
Germany then launched two major programs:
2022: Quantum Systems Funding Program
2023: Quantum International Framework Program (a multi-ministry initiative)
A New Federal Government and New Ministry Focused on Quantum
Haak emphasized that Germany’s new federal government, formed in May 2025, has made quantum one of its highest priorities. A new Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space was established—placing quantum explicitly at the core of its mandate.
Across six years, Germany has invested €3 billion into quantum technologies, and current federal priorities include:
Strengthening applied research
Supporting industrial deployment
Expanding high-tech and space-oriented quantum programs
Developing large-scale quantum systems and national infrastructure
High-Tech Agenda Deutschland: Ambitious 2030 Goals
Under the new High-Tech Agenda Deutschland, Germany has set a clear systems goal:
Develop at least two error-corrected quantum computers at the European top level by 2030.
This milestone anchors Germany’s long-term investment and aligns national programs with EU-wide initiatives.
Germany’s Quantum Ecosystem: National Strengths and Regional Clusters
Haak provided a detailed snapshot of Germany’s quantum ecosystem, which spans computing, simulation, sensing, and communication technologies—and is reinforced by several cross-cutting pillars:
Community networking
Applied research
SME support
Workforce development
International collaboration
He underscored Germany’s belief that “quantum is a team sport—and Germany is a team player.”
Germany collaborates extensively with France, the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, and other global partners.
Germany’s regional clusters and leading centers include:
Forschungszentrum Jülich (a European powerhouse in quantum computing)
Munich (a major hub for quantum research and industry)
Stuttgart
Mainz / Frankfurt region
These centers are tightly interconnected and receive significant funding for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Three National Pillars: Government, Research Institutes, and Industry
Germany organizes its quantum activities into three strategic pillars:
Government Procurement & Applied Deployment
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) purchases quantum computers to support national R&D and application development.Large-Scale Research Institutes
Institutions like the Helmholtz Association, Fraunhofer Society, and Leibniz Association receive dedicated quantum funds.Industry Engagement & SME Support
German quantum companies—from global leaders to fast-growing SMEs—collaborate closely with Fraunhofer and national labs to scale applications.
Germany’s innovation model relies heavily on its 70+ applied research institutes, which bridge university science and industrial deployment.
Workforce Development: A National Priority
Haak emphasized that workforce development is one of Germany’s most urgent priorities. With over €500 billion being invested across infrastructure, AI, fusion, and quantum over the next decade, Germany aims to train the workforce needed to power this national transformation.
International Collaboration
Germany remains firmly embedded in European and global quantum efforts. Its collaborations span:
The European Union
Eureka
Bilateral programs with major partners worldwide
Joint applied research and co-development initiatives
Deep ties with the United States and other international allies
Haak closed by encouraging attendees to connect with Germany’s Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space for further information—and offered to share lessons learned from Germany’s quantum programs with partners around the world.