MHP & QuantumBW join forces to drive quantum tech in industry

MHP has entered into a strategic partnership with the QuantumBW Innovation Campus to strengthen the application and development of quantum computing technologies in Baden-Württemberg.

The partnership aims to facilitate greater knowledge and technology transfer among the 38 participating organisations in the QuantumBW network, which connects academic institutions engaged in fundamental and applied quantum research with private sector enterprises. By working together, the collaboration seeks to identify scientifically and economically relevant use cases for quantum technologies, with a longer-term ambition of establishing Baden-Württemberg as a key region for quantum innovation.

Markus Wambach, Group Chief Operating Officer at MHP, commented on the partnership, stating:

Quantum technology holds enormous potential – but the real challenge lies in turning scientific and academic insights into viable business models. This is exactly where our partnership with QuantumBW comes in: we connect academic excellence, university-driven knowledge, and real-world business practice. Our shared goal is to transform innovation into tangible economic value – for the benefit of our clients and to strengthen a future-ready innovation ecosystem.

QuantumBW, as one of five innovation campuses in the region, functions as a decentralised, state-driven initiative tasked with bridging the gap between basic research, applied science, and commercial use. The network is comprised of 21 companies from Baden-Württemberg, ten universities and technical colleges, and several independent research institutions, including the Fraunhofer Society and the Max Planck Society. Funding for QuantumBW is provided jointly by the Baden-Württemberg Ministries of Science, Research, and the Arts, as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism.

Alexander Heinrich, Head of the QuantumBW Office, welcomed the partnership, saying:

With MHP, we welcome a valuable partner to our network who, with its deep understanding of companies and their structures, can raise awareness of the opportunities and changes that a quantum future will bring. Together, we can help companies understand, through concrete use cases, how industry can benefit from quantum technologies in the future, enabling them to become tomorrow's pioneers. We are excited to join forces with MHP as part of the QuantumBW network to accelerate Europe's leadership in the field of quantum technologies.

The partnership will focus on identifying practical applications for quantum computing within industry, moving beyond theoretical potential and exploring concrete uses. This entails evaluating how quantum computers - devices that leverage quantum mechanical principles to process information using qubits capable of superposition - can be utilised for complex computational problems. Such problems include supply chain optimisation and simulation for new material development, areas where quantum computing may offer advantages over classical approaches.

Julian Seyfarth, Portfolio Manager and Associate at MHP, noted the importance of driving adoption and addressing associated security concerns, stating:

Our goal is to consistently promote the transfer of quantum research into industrial practice. The focus is on concrete application problems rather than abstract potential. We want to help ensure that quantum technologies have an impact where they create real added value. At the same time, we see it as our responsibility to draw attention to security-critical risks posed by quantum computing at an early stage, such as the breaking of classical encryption, and to support companies in introducing quantum-resilient solutions such as post-quantum cryptography.

The prospect of quantum computers breaking current cryptographic standards, such as RSA or ECC, has highlighted the need for organisations in sensitive sectors - like aerospace, defence, and finance - to consider security measures now. The principle of "store now, decrypt later" raises concerns that encrypted data intercepted today could be compromised in the future once quantum decryption techniques become available. Guidance on adopting quantum-resilient solutions, including post-quantum cryptography, forms an essential part of the services MHP provides to its clients as part of this initiative.

Through the collaboration, MHP and QuantumBW intend to further expand the reach and effectiveness of their shared network, facilitating the integration of quantum technologies into industry while supporting companies in both harnessing new technological opportunities and mitigating related risks.