Quantum Valley Oberrhein – UpQuantVal

A strong Center for Quantum Research in the Upper Rhine region

Great progress has been made in Quantum Technology in recent years. In particular, technologies such as Quantum Sensors and Quantum Computing will radically change and influence the future of our digital societies. To establish a strong European Center for Quantum Science, we are participating in the INTERREG project »UpQuantVal«.
 

19 Partners from three Countries

19 different parties involved in Quantum Science and technology are working together in the Interreg project to create synergies for education, research and specialized infrastructures. »UpQuantVal« brings together institutions from three countries – Germany, France and Switzerland –  from the fields of research, economics and politics.
 

Mediating between Industry and Research

Our institute contributes application-oriented research in the field of quantum computing to the consortium. In our projects, we look at specific, practical applications and are familiar with the state of the art. Through contract research, we have contacts with industrial partners for future research projects and are able to assess market potential. Our role is to mediate between industry and research, bring together innovative theories and practical applications, build synergies between the project partners and synchronize the project partners' infrastructure. The focus is on market analyses and testing the market readiness of quantum technologies in order to create the basis for future application-oriented research projects in quantum computing. 

Infrastructure Present

Through our own research in the application field of Quantum Computing, we have a broad range of expertise in various methods such as Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Optimization and Simulation. In particular, the Fraunhofer ITWM has gained Quantum experience in the fields of Image Processing, healthcare, energy and finance. The Fraunhofer competence network enables us to access additional expertise and Quantum Hardware in addition to the institute's internal High-Performance Computing infrastructure for testing and simulating Quantum Computers.

»UpQuantVal« promotes close cooperation between innovation partners from three cross-border countries. This form of cooperation is new in the field of Quantum Technologies and is seen as a potential model for future partnerships between Quantum Centers at European level in line with the idea of regional innovation valleys.
 

Through Different Experiences and Focuses of Interest, »UpQuantVal« Addresses a Broad Audience:

  • research and innovation organizations active in Quantum Sciences and Technologies. The majority of activities (research, education, awareness-raising) directly involve the scientific community, including young scientists and established researchers.
  • The private sector, which targets individuals developing and applying Quantum Technologies. The current consortium brings together several industrial partners, and the project team is open to collaboration with interested companies (start-ups, SMEs and large industry) that wish to participate in researching specific use cases.
  • Regional authorities and decision makers will be involved in the target groups in order to develop long-term strategies in synergy with regional priorities.
  • All people interested in Quantum Science should receive information on the state of research through the project work.

The Project Consortium

  • Université de Strasbourg (Project carrier)
  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  • Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
  • SICK AG
  • Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
  • Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH
  • Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg
  • Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – Délégation Alsace
  • QPerfect
  • GRAND E-NOV PLUS
  • Universität Basel
  • Women in Tech Switzerland
  • Basel Precision Instruments GmbH
  • Qnami AG
  • QuantumBasel AG
  • Kanton Basel Landschaft
  • Kanton Basel-Stadt
  • Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
UpQuantVal Karte: Ein starkes Zentrum für Quantenforschung in der Oberrheinregion
© UpQuantVal / Fraunhofer ITWM
Ein starkes Zentrum für Quantenforschung in der Oberrheinregion

Project Duration and Funding

The project is funded in the INTERREG program for three years and runs from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

INTERREG or »European Territorial Cooperation« is an initiative supported by the European Union (EU). This program promotes cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation between different regions in Europe. INTERREG projects bring together partners from different countries to collaborate on innovative solutions that address regional challenges that affect daily life, for example on energy and climate change, environmental and resource protection, the job market, social issues and transport.