The chancellor visits the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching on September 15
Research centers and companies have high expectations in quantum computers. Unlike classical computers, which calculate with zeros and ones, they are based on quantum bits that can assume any number of states. They can therefore calculate at extremely high speeds and are very interesting for many simulations, for example of materials in the automotive industry.
One of the leading research institutes in the field of quantum is the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Garching near Munich. The joint initiative of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Max Planck Society, the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München and the Technical University of Munich was launched in March 2021. The state of Bavaria is funding the initiative with 300 million euros. The federal government of Germany also plans to fund quantum technologies with two billion euros as part of its economic stimulus program to counter the Corona crisis.
Angela Merkel was visibly impressed by her visit to Munich: "It's so good to see the passion, the verve with which everyone is working here." The chancellor gave special praise to the institute's support for young researchers. This includes doctoral training and an interdisciplinary master's program with LMU and TUM, as well as a student laboratory, the "Photonlab," at MPQ.
Hector Fellow Immanuel Bloch thanked all those involved who contributed to the success of the event.