Germany's €30M quantum and photonics hub opens in Jena with high-profile backing
Germany's €30M quantum and photonics hub opens in Jena with high-profile backing
Bär and Voigt inaugurate new building for high-tech research - Germany's €30M quantum and photonics hub opens in Jena with high-profile backing
A new research facility at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena has officially opened. Federal Minister Dorothee Bär and Thuringia's Minister-President Mario Voigt attended the inauguration. The €30 million expansion aims to boost cutting-edge work in photonics and quantum technologies.
During the visit, both ministers also toured the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) in nearby Hermsdorf. They highlighted the region's growing role in high-tech research and industrial innovation.
The new IOF building includes advanced laboratories, cleanrooms, and specialised equipment. Among the key additions are an electron-beam lithography system and a ground station for satellite-based quantum communication. Half of the €30 million cost came from federal funds, with the state of Thuringia covering the remaining half.
Minister Bär praised the IOF's contributions to optics and photonics, which support fields like quantum computing, biotechnology, and microelectronics. She noted that the institute aligns with the federal government's push for high-tech development. Over the past five years, the IOF has led projects such as Quantenlichtquelle (quantum light sources) for secure communication and PICs4QKD, which focuses on photonic integrated circuits for quantum key distribution. Collaborations with companies like Zeiss and Bosch, as well as EU initiatives such as Quantum Flagship, have resulted in commercial breakthroughs—including scalable quantum repeaters demonstrated in 2024 and integrated photonic chips for telecoms deployed in 2025.
At the IKTS in Hermsdorf, Minister Bär reviewed progress in ceramic-based energy storage, carbon capture, and water treatment technologies. Minister Voigt described the town as an emerging 'innovation hub' for energy storage and smart power management. He stressed the importance of an ambitious high-tech strategy to address global challenges with German and European solutions.
The expanded IOF facility will strengthen research in photonics and quantum technologies. The investments in infrastructure and partnerships with industry aim to accelerate commercial applications. Meanwhile, the IKTS continues to advance energy and environmental solutions, reinforcing Thuringia's position in high-tech innovation.