Quantum Communication Dialogue: Shaping the Quantum Communication Innovation Ecosystem Together to Ensure the Future Technological Sovereignty of Germany and Europe

Quantum communication is becoming increasingly important for our interconnected digital world and is already fundamentally changing the way we will embed security in future communication networks.

One example of this is quantum key distribution (QKD). This process utilises the laws of quantum physics to exchange cryptographic keys between communicating parties. In contrast to classical cryptography, so-called quantum bits (qubits) are exchanged to establish a key agreement between two or more parties, e.g. in the form of individual particles of light, known as photons. These qubits possess special properties and thereby create a new basis for secure communication. A fundamental principle of quantum mechanics plays a central role here: it is not possible to copy a qubit exactly (cloning quantum states is not possible). QKD thus offers, on the basis of quantum physics, the advantage that – provided QKD is implemented correctly – eavesdroppers cannot read transmitted keys or intercept them unnoticed. Thanks to this physical security, data transmitted using QKD encryption will remain secure against decryption in the future – regardless of the processing power of future computers.

Beyond quantum key distribution, quantum communication forms the technological foundation for a future quantum internet. The long-distance transmission of quantum states and the interconnection of quantum objects over long distances require, among other things, the development and deployment of quantum repeaters and quantum communication satellites. On 16 August 2024, the rocket carrying Germany’s first microsatellite, QUBE, was launched for research into quantum communication; it was officially commissioned in the summer of 2025. The launch of the second microsatellite under the QUBE initiative is scheduled for 2026.

27 March 2026 | Quantum Communication Dialogue (“Partnerdialog”)

As part of the Quantum Communication Dialogue (“Partnerdialog”) organised by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), key foundations for the technology roadmap for quantum communication in Germany were discussed on 27 March 2026 with key players and stakeholders in quantum communication research from academia and industry in Germany, as well as representatives from other ministries and the federal states. One of the objectives of the High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD) is to strengthen and further expand the quantum communication innovation system.

The Quantum Communication Dialogue (“Partnerdialog”) was opened by the Head of the “Technological Sovereignty and Innovation” department, Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz. In three parallel breakout sessions on the topics of “Fibre-based quantum communication over long distances/quantum repeater technologies”, “Free-beam-based quantum communication over long distances via satellite” and “Quantum communication as a resource”, Germany’s objectives in quantum communication were discussed from the perspective of value creation and sovereignty, and key challenges and milestones on the path to achieving them were identified.

In a subsequent plenary session, overarching ideas for expanding and strengthening the quantum communication innovation ecosystem in Germany were gathered and discussed. The aim is to address measures to improve the networking of the innovation ecosystem in Germany, thereby jointly leveraging synergies in the research and implementation of quantum communication. The quantum communication innovation pipeline is to be continuously replenished – from the fundamentals right through to transfer into future applications. Last but not least, cooperation within the EU and with international partners who share our values is to be further expanded.

The findings provide important impetus for achieving the HTAD’s objectives in quantum communication and for enhancing Germany’s innovation and competitiveness on the international stage, and can help ensure that Germany takes a leading position in quantum communication worldwide.

Further information:

• An overview of the HTAD’s objectives and measures relating to quantum technologies as a key technology can be found here.