04.03.2021, Munich – The kickoff of the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) initiative took place on March 4, 2021. The aim of the initiative is to make Bavaria and Germany a major hub for research and development in this important future field. Over the next ten years, the Munich Quantum Valley network intends to continue advancing the development of quantum science and technology. In addition to Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, the network founders include the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, TUM, the Fraunhofer Society, and the Max Planck Society.

Due to the corona pandemic, the official kickoff took place virtually. The invited guests were political representatives, the presidents of the participating institutions, and industry representatives. The participants were present via video conferences and video messages.

The welcome address was given by Hubert Aiwanger (Bavarian State Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy), Bernd Sibler (Bavarian State Minister of Science and Art), Bernd Huber (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Thomas Höllmann (Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities), Thomas Hofmann (Technische Universität München), Reimund Neugebauer (Fraunhofer Society), and Martin Stratmann (Max Planck Society).

Prof. Dr. Claudia Linnhoff-Popien, one of the participants in the Munich Quantum Valley, explained in a video message that her Chair of Informatics at LMU already has access to four quantum computers, develops software and applications for the Munich Quantum Valley, and validates them with their numerous user companies.

The two-hour opening featured the presentation of various aspects of the Munich Quantum Valley: the 3-point plan, location and infrastructure, quantum hardware and software, as well as applications and technology transfer.

In addition to the founding members, other important Bavarian and national research institutions and universities with high levels of activity in the field of quantum science and technologies will be efficiently linked to the MQV and participate in its activities. Due to the strength of its founding institutions and the long-term institutional financing, the MQV intends to play a key role in a national and European quantum strategy.