After successful application within the framework of the RUBIN program and receipt of the grant notification, the QUANTIFISENS alliance is now starting the three-year research phase. The aim of the development is a sensor platform based on fiber-optic and quantum technology processes. This will serve complex customer problems in initially two target markets: medical imaging and infrastructure monitoring.
- Successful application in the RUBIN program (2020/2021) and receipt of the grant notification (2022)
- Official project start is September 1, 2022 for three years
- Development of a sensor platform based on fiber-optic and quantum technology methods
Eleven companies and two research institutes form the regional QUANTIFISENS alliance and will be funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with around 12 million euros over the next three years in order to develop Jena and the state of Thuringia into the leading center for fiber optic measurement processes.
QUANTIFISENS stands for omnifunctional quantum-inspired fiber sensor systems and describes a novel holistic approach to solving complex, sensory customer problems using optical fibers, the relevant measurement technology, and innovative self-learning software. With the slogan »the sensing [r]evolution«, the alliance is ushering in a turning point in the evolutionary development of classic sensors and has the potential to even revolutionize them in areas using quantum technologies.
The combination of partners, the majority of which are located in the high-tech optics region of Jena in Thuringia, consisting of highly innovative, agile small companies and established, production-experienced market participants as well as research institutions, results in advantageous linkages. The partners in the alliance already cover the entire value chain: They include fiber optics manufacturers, laser manufacturers, software companies, sensor system manufacturers, quantum technologists and system integrators. Thanks to exclusive know-how, the alliance holds all the cards to successfully create disruptive innovations and develop the sensor platform to market maturity.
Dr. Eric Lindner, CEO of the FBGS company and industry spokesman for the alliance, expresses his enthusiasm about the project launch: »We are very pleased that our concept has convinced the Federal Ministry of Education and Research on all counts. Over the next three years, the Alliance will develop new, groundbreaking fiber optic sensor processes and systems. Through the holistic approach of our technology platform, we want to overcome the limitations of classical fiber optic measurement technology by using quantum technology methods and innovative software.«
With QUANTIFISENS, the region presents itself in perspective as a modern, innovative and dynamic player in the sector of state-of-the-art sensor technology, which attracts new talent and in turn gives new impetus to the region through them. The project ensures sustainable growth for the companies by maintaining existing jobs and creating new ones in the field of future technologies.
The intensive application phase in 2020/2021 for the development of an innovation concept under the RUBIN program (»Regional Entrepreneurial Alliances for Innovation« within the program family »Innovation & Structural Change«) was crowned with success for all alliance partners. Following technical project approval by representatives from business, science and politics in June 2021, the partners received the official grant notifications in 2022. Now the substantive work of the alliance can begin and a joint sensor platform can be developed through the close cooperation of companies and research institutions.
Alliance spokesperson:
Dr. Eric Lindner – FBGS Technologies GmbH
Phone: +49 3641 508 513
Dr. Thomas Schreiber – Fraunhofer IOF
Phone: +49 3641 807–252
ed.refohnuarf.foi@rebierhcs.samoht