February 9, 2026
Cluster4future QVLS-iLabs Successfully Enters Its Second Funding Phase
The QVLS-iLabs Cluster4future has reached an important milestone: the second funding phase has been approved! The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is providing the Cluster with 15 million euros for this purpose. Together with additional funding from its own resources, a total of 23 million euros will be available over the next three years to bring quantum technologies into application even faster.
A total of 25 partners from research institutions, industry and start-ups are working together to develop state-of-the-art quantum components and systems to market readiness. The aim is now to consistently transfer the technological advances of the first phase – from photonic components and atom and ion traps to integrated electronics and sensor technology – into application-oriented demonstrators.
The approval of the second phase strengthens cooperation between science and industry in the Hannover-Braunschweig region and beyond. With the new funding, QVLS-iLabs can further expand its role as a central driver of innovation for quantum technologies and bring important future scenarios – such as ion-based quantum computing, transportable atomic clocks and novel metrology applications – one step closer to practical application.
QVLS-iLabs in Short
Who we are
We're a cluster united by one goal: bringing quantum technologies into real-world use. Across 13 ongoing projects, teams from science and industry work on a wide range of topics – from automating the production of ion trap chips (the heart of quantum computers) to developing quantum cameras for EV batteries.
Our goal
We're building a network that turns quantum technology's enormous potential into practical applications. Our focus is on quantum computing and novel applications of quantum metrology. Technically, this means integration, miniaturization, and scaling – toward robust, application-ready components and systems. Along the way, we connect excellent science, established industry, and innovative startups to build a new regional economic sector.
How to get involved
Interested in joining our network? Want to contribute a project of your own? Get in touch!
Our Goals
QVLS-iLabs brings together strong players from research and industry with the shared goal of bringing quantum technology out of the laboratories and into the market.
The central strategic goal of QVLS-iLabs is to build a strong and resilient network in order to transfer the enormous potential of quantum technology into practically relevant applications.
The key scientific and technological objective is the integration, miniaturization and scaling of quantum technologies, enabling the development of user-friendly, robust and industry-ready components and devices.
This is intended to unlock the economic potential, particularly of applications in quantum metrology and quantum computing.
Our iLabs
In the second phase, the iLabs are shifting their focus from basic technologies towards the development of demonstrators in order to realize groundbreaking future scenarios with high economic potential. QVLS-iLabs brings together strong players from research and industry with the shared goal of transferring quantum technologies from the laboratory into market-ready applications.
In currently 13 projects, they address the key challenges on the path towards robust, scalable and economically viable quantum technologies from different perspectives. The current iLabs and their projects focus on key enabling technologies and their further development towards integrated and combined components and demonstrators with a market and product perspective.
iLab “Photonic Integration”
Development of integrated photonic components to replace large optical laboratory setups with compact, scalable solutions for quantum technologies.
iLab „Atom and Ion Chip Trap Technology“
Development of miniaturized and robustly manufacturable atom and ion trap components – such as highly integrated chip traps – as a basis for industry-ready quantum systems.
iLab “Electronic and Control Integration”
Development of integrated electronics, software and real-time control solutions for quantum computing and quantum sensing demonstrators to enable miniaturization and standardization.
“Communication, Connection and Support Lab”
Networking of the projects within the Cluster4future, further development of the strategy, and strengthening of innovation, spin-offs, as well as the involvement of industry, science and society with the aim of establishing a self-sustaining new economic sector.
Our iLab Experts
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Dr. Tara Cubel Liebisch (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt)
Dr. Amado Bautista Salvador (QUDORA Technologies)
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Prof. Dr. Carsten Klempt (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt)
Dr. Malte Schulz-Ruhtenberg (LPKF Laser & Electronics SE)
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Prof. Dr. Andreas Waag (TU Braunschweig)
Dr. Heiko Brüning (QubeDot GmbH)
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Dr. Nicolas Spethmann (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt)
Mathis Vetter (Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH)
Our Projects
iLab Photonic Integration
iLab Atom and Ion Chip Trap Technology
iLab Electronic and Control Integration
Completed Projects
High Tech Incubator
The High-Tech Incubator at the QVLS-iLabs provides technology-driven startups with a professional environment for developing and scaling innovations in quantum technologies.
By bringing together scientific infrastructure, industry-oriented applications and targeted support, QVLS-iLabs creates a powerful ecosystem for deep-tech startups in Lower Saxony.
Startup Support at QVLS
QVLS-iLabs supports technology-driven startups and emerging ventures in the field of quantum technologies.
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Workshops and events providing orientation on entrepreneurship and startup development
Raising awareness of technology transfer opportunities arising from research
Access to the cluster network and insights into the startup ecosystem
Support in developing initial project ideas
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Further development of technologies through to prototype realization
Access to laboratory infrastructure and shared workshops
Connections to experts, investors and industry partners
Support with funding strategies and grant programmes
Development and validation of business models
Cluster-Owned High-Tech Laboratories
The incubator provides modern laboratory spaces, workshops and specialized infrastructure at the former Rollei site in Braunschweig.
Startups have access to the facilities they need to develop their technologies – from optical tables and lasers covering a range of wavelengths (532–1550 nm) to a cleanroom tent, magnetic shielding and vacuum pumps. A direct dark-fiber connection to the reference signals of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is also available. And this is only part of the equipment teams can access on site.
The infrastructure is specifically tailored to the needs of deep-tech startups and supports projects throughout the innovation cycle – from initial prototypes to market-ready demonstrations.
The facilities are complemented by close links to leading research institutions such as the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Technische Universität Braunschweig and Leibniz University Hannover, as well as regional economic development organizations.
Startup Teams
Several startups are currently working at the High-Tech Incubator on solutions in the fields of quantum hardware, integrated optics, precision measurement and microfabrication. All teams benefit from close connections to research partners, access to laboratory infrastructure and exchange with other startups.
Key areas of focus:
Quantum computing and ion-trap platforms
Integrated optics and photonic chips
Quantum sensing and high-precision measurement
Microfabrication technologies
News
Team
Our Cluster Spokespeople
Prof. Dr. Christian Ospelkaus
Leibniz University Hannover
Spokesperson
Prof. Dr. Andreas Waag
TU BraunschweigCo-Spokesperson
Our Cluster Management
Naz Pourmalek
CEO QVLS e.V. & QVLS innovation GmbH
Coordination QVLS-iLabsDr. Larissa Braun
Coordination QVLS-iLabsDr. Lena Bittermann
Startup-Funding and QVLS High-Tech IncubatorMagnus Zorn
Integration Labs as Nucleation Centers for Cooperation
Clusters4Future is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) that transfers excellent research into market-ready applications.
Through cooperation between science and industry, together with society and policymakers, regional innovation spaces are created in which ideas are turned into applications.
