Strengthening quantum research, fostering talent: An additional 4.5 million euros for the graduate school

Quantum computers with enormous computing power, ultra-sensitive sensors, or new approaches to secure communication: PhD students at the IQST Graduate School@Quantum^BW investigate key questions in modern quantum physics. The focus is on projects with high scientific potential that are in the early stages of development. Specifically, the doctoral candidates apply findings from quantum physics research to practical applications, thereby enabling innovative technological solutions. The state is providing an additional 4.5 million euros to support the IQST Graduate School@Quantum^BW through 2032, thereby strengthening its quantum strategy. A key strategic component is training researchers early on in their careers.

Minister of Science Petra Olschowski: “Quantum technologies also offer great opportunities in future-oriented fields such as health, mobility, and climate protection. Our Quantum^BW Innovation Campus brings together the expertise of universities, research institutions, and high-tech companies. In particular, through our newly expanded graduate school, we bring together outstanding talent from both research and industry, ensuring that ideas are translated into market-ready applications. After all, Baden-Württemberg does not aim merely to keep pace in quantum technologies – it seeks to set international standards.”

The IQST Graduate School@Quantum^BW is dedicated to research-oriented doctoral programs in quantum physics. Doctoral students are supervised by principal investigators and benefit from a structured training program.

A key component is mandatory internships with European partners in industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups. These partners are part of the emerging quantum industry or come from fields such as medical technology, mechanical engineering, and aerospace. This enables early evaluation of potential applications and facilitates the establishment of connections beyond the academic community. Prof. Dr. Stefanie Barz, Graduate School Coordinator: “Within the Graduate School, we support projects that bridge the gap between basic research and technology development. These projects have significant technological potential but remain at an early stage of development. That’s how we bridge the gap to real-world applications.”

Additional professional development opportunities offered by the IQST Graduate School @QuantumBW are aimed at early-career researchers at all universities in Baden-Württemberg. They cover topics such as technology transfer, startup creation, intellectual property, and other key competencies for both academic and non-academic career paths.

The graduate school is organized by the Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), which is supported by the Universities of Stuttgart and Ulm, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research.

The Graduate School’s core research areas include quantum sensing and metrology, quantum computing and quantum information science, integrated quantum technologies, integrated quantum photonics and quantum materials, as well as quantum networks. 

The IQST is expected to announce new research projects in May 2026. The doctoral positions will be advertised in June 2026, and the doctoral projects are scheduled to begin between late 2026 and early 2027. Three additional cohorts, each consisting of five doctoral students, are planned.

Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST)

IQST brings together the scientific quantum community in Baden-Württemberg and fosters interdisciplinary research.

IQST fosters an interdisciplinary environment for excellent basic research and opens up opportunities for knowledge transfer at an early stage.

At the Quantum^BW Innovation Campus, IQST implements the IQST Graduate School @Quantum^BW, organized by the University of Stuttgart.

Further information

The Quantum^BW innovation campus

The graduate school was launched in 2024 as part of the Quantum^BW Innovation Campus. The second funding phase will run from 2027 to 2032.

With support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Science, global industry leaders joined forces with universities and research institutions in 2023 to form the Quantum^BW Innovation Campus – with the goal of accelerating the translation of research into industrial applications.

With the Quantum^BW Innovation Campus, the state has created an overarching umbrella brand. Quantum^BW‘s strategic objectives and areas of focus are published and summarized in the Baden-Württemberg Quantum Strategy.