Hannover, December 09, 2025 -- On 08-09 December 2025, the SQuaD consortium convenes in Hannover for the final meeting of the umbrella project Schirmprojekt Quantenkommunikation Deutschland, funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt – BMFTR). As the project approaches its conclusion after nearly three and a half years, the partners take the opportunity to reflect on their achievements and to define perspectives for the continued advancement of Quantum Communication in Germany and Europe.

SQuaD was launched in 2022 with the goal of accelerating the commercialization of Quantum Communication and building a well-connected, collaborative ecosystem across research, industry, and public institutions. With nearly 9 million euros in funding, the project brought together key organizations along the entire innovation chain to strengthen technological sovereignty and prepare industry for quantum-secure communication.

Reflecting on 3.5 Years of Joint Progress

During the two-day final meeting, the consortium looks back on

• the progress made towards strengthening research–industry collaboration,
• the development of tools and methods to support commercialization,
• contributions to standardization and certification efforts,
• and its role in advancing Germany’s competitive position in the global Quantum Communication landscape. 
  
  In addition to celebrating achievements, the partners also engage in a self-critical review to derive best practices, lessons learnt and recommendations for the years ahead. The discussions focus on ecosystem needs, remaining gaps, and opportunities for a potential continuation phase, ensuring that the progress made can be sustained and further expanded.

QBN’s Contribution and Future Role

As a consortium partner, QBN led the work on innovation promotion, technology transfer and networking. Over the course of the project, QBN

• developed tools and formats to support commercialization,
• facilitated workshops on industry use cases, integration, supply chains, policy and certification,
• supported startups and SMEs with dedicated resources and the SQuaD startup toolkit,
• and launched the SQuaD Networking Platform to connect stakeholders and foster long-term collaboration.

Looking ahead, QBN is well positioned to help carry forward successful SQuaD activities for the benefit of the community. In close collaboration with partners across research, industry and policy, QBN will continue to maintain effective formats, strengthen collaboration structures, and support initiatives that advance the commercialization of Quantum Communication.

With established support structures, including our Working Group Quantum Communications & Cybersecurity, which connects key stakeholders and drives technical, industrial and strategic progress, QBNplays a meaningful role in building on the project’s outcomes. This aligns with the High-tech Agenda Deutschland, where Quantum Communication is defined as one of the four central goals within the Quantum Technologies priority area, one of the six strategic pillars of the agenda. By contributing to these national priorities, QBN supports Germany’s ambition to remain at the forefront of Quantum Communication globally.

The final meeting marks the end of an important phase and opens the door to new opportunities for strategic ecosystem development, collaboration, and sustainable growth of the European Quantum Communication industry.