Our society is becoming increasingly dependent on the digital exchange of data by citizens, businesses and public authorities, while targeted cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the border regions are rising sharply.
The emergence of powerful quantum computers threatens current encryption standards, making new technologies essential to ensure long-term data security. Quantum communication offers a promising solution, but requires photonic chips that cannot yet be sufficiently developed or tested within the region.
The programme area hosts a strong but fragmented group of high-tech SMEs in photonics, semiconductors and quantum technology. Without structured collaboration and a cross-border testbed, much potential remains unused. This project therefore brings together six complementary SMEs; QSA Technology, Sabratha Photonics, Microwave Photonics, Pixel Photonics, Picard Memory Systems and Xen Quantum, into a single innovation cluster.
The initiative is closely embedded in the regional ecosystems, with associate partners such as Prodrive Technologies, TU Eindhoven, CeNTech, Elmos Semiconductor, the Reach EUREGIO Startup Center, QuiX Quantum, New Origin, the CVD and CITC. Discussions with Nokia and Vodafone Germany aim to strengthen the testbed with industrial-grade network technologies.
Making ConneQtions enhances the innovation capacity of high-tech SMEs through the joint development of next-generation quantum communication chips and the creation of a cross-border quantum communication testbed between Enschede and Münster. This testbed will become a unique site in Europe for international companies and research projects. The SME partners develop new chips and are prepared for future market introduction, with the shared ambition of producing four million chips annually by 2032. At the same time, societal value is created by supporting end users in securing their digital infrastructure, contributing to data sovereignty.
