No quantum systems without photonics
Market report by SPECTARIS and Messe München highlights the importance of photonics in the commercial era of quantum systems
It is said that quantum technology is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and that its golden age has only just begun. One thing is certain: many countries believe in the potential of this technology. A few years ago, public funding programs for quantum technology research were launched worldwide, totaling 20 billion dollars over a ten-year period. The EU is also participating in this global race with a contribution of 1.1 billion dollars. Germany is investing up to three billion dollars in quantum technology research. This figure does not include research spending by companies—whether tech giants or startups—nor investments by private investors. The odds are therefore good that the first market applications—which already exist or are nearing market readiness—will soon become visible. The forecasts compiled by TEMATYS as part of this trend report show that the global market for quantum systems will grow sixfold by 2030 and will then be worth 2.3 billion euros. Further growth spurts are to be expected. But who will come out on top? My answer is: photonics. The study impressively demonstrates that quantum systems are practically impossible without photonics. Only with the so-called core photonic technologies for quantum systems can these promising applications be realized in the first place. With German photonics and its cutting-edge technologies, Germany holds all the trump cards. The odds are very good that we not only have an excellent starting position but will also maintain it in the long term.
Jörg Mayer, Managing Director of SPECTARIS
The Dawn of a New Era: Study Forecasts Market Revenue from Quantum Systems to Reach 2.3 Billion Euros in 2030
Far-reaching technological change is expected in industrial sectors such as medical technology and artificial intelligence / The market has enormous additional growth potential driven by software and services
Quantum systems open up a world of entirely new possibilities for industry and society. Photonics plays a central role as a key technology for the commercialization of quantum systems, adding yet another field of application with enormous potential to this diverse and innovative industry. A new market report confirms that the global market for quantum systems is projected to grow sixfold by 2030, reaching a value of 2.33 billion euros per year. These figures include only the hardware; software and services—such as computing-as-a-service—could expand the market by a factor of three to four. Manufacturers of basic photonic technologies for quantum systems are expected to generate additional annual revenue of 530 million euros by 2030. This figure does not yet take into account the fact that photonics also plays a key role in the production process of these technologies.
These forecasts are presented in the market report “Photonics@Quantum: Basic Photonic Technologies for Quantum Systems.” The report was commissioned by the German industry association SPECTARIS and Messe München and will be published at the start of the world’s leading trade fair, LASER World of PHOTONICS. It was prepared by the French technology consulting firm TEMATYS, which has already produced numerous studies on photonics and its key application areas. “Once their full potential is realized, quantum systems could revolutionize the way we measure, process, or transmit information. This will be accompanied by a profound technological transformation whose multiplier effect will significantly boost value creation in Europe and worldwide. The first market-ready applications are already in the starting blocks. And the odds are good that Germany is not only in an excellent starting position but can also build on this position in the long term,” explains Jörg Mayer, Managing Director of SPECTARIS.
The market for quantum systems is divided into three fields: metrology and sensor technology, communications, and computing. In these fields, quantum systems expand existing applications far beyond what is currently possible—for example, in medical technology, communications, finance, transportation, and artificial intelligence. So-called quantum cryptography for communication (QKD) plays an important role in protecting sensitive communications. And quantum computing will significantly accelerate computational processes compared to classical computers. The new market report also makes it clear that many countries believe in the potential of this technology: A few years ago, government funding programs for research into quantum systems were launched worldwide, totaling 20 billion U.S. dollars over a ten-year period.
The European Union is also participating in this race among nations with a contribution of 1.1 billion U.S. dollars, while Germany is investing as much as three billion U.S. dollars in quantum systems research. This figure does not include research spending by companies or investments by private investors. Two-thirds of venture capital investments were made in the last three years. However, Europe lags behind in this area compared to government funding: European companies received about 5 percent of global private capital financing, while companies in North America received 70 percent. This makes the need for collaboration among all stakeholders in quantum systems—research, industry, and investors—all the more urgent.
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Managing Partners of Jüke Systemtechnik GmbH, Martin Hovestadt (left) and Heinrich Jürgens (right)
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Management of Richard Wolf GmbH: Mr. Pfab, Mr. Steinbeck
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Laser Components benefits from the industry association in a variety of ways. As a company, we value the broad exchange of information within the working groups—whether in human resources, marketing, or export control, customs, and foreign trade practices. For our industry, Spectaris also serves as a political voice—the Photonics Trade Association not only maintains constant communication with the BMWi and BMBF ministries but also provides information on European initiatives.
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In the century of the photon, we need an advocacy group that is both strong and responsive. For us, as providers and consultants for the most innovative products on the global photonics market, this institution is particularly important. We know our interests (e.g., in the area of foreign trade) are in good hands, and we can focus on what matters most: satisfying our customers.
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Frank Billhardt, Laser Protection Division EMEA, LASERVISION GmbH & Co. KG
