On February 11, 2025, the Quanten-Hub Tirol was officially launched, marking an important milestone for Austria’s quantum technology landscape. Supported by an initial investment of €150,000 from the state of Tyrol, the hub aims to bridge the gap between advanced quantum research and practical industry applications, fostering economic growth, knowledge transfer, and international competitiveness.
A strategic initiative to boost quantum technology
The Quanten-Hub Tirol is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies while strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industry partners. With Tyrol’s robust scientific infrastructure and its status as the home of Europe’s most powerful quantum computer, this initiative aims to position Tyrol as a key player in global quantum innovation.
The launch event took place at the University of Innsbruck’s Technology Campus, featuring key figures from research, industry, and government:
- Cornelia Hagele, Science Minister of Tyrol – Emphasized the importance of strategic investments in quantum technology to strengthen Tyrol’s innovation ecosystem.
- Gregor Weihs, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Innsbruck – Highlighted Tyrol’s pioneering role in quantum science and its international impact.
- Jasmin Güngör, CEO of Onsight Ventures – Leading the development of funding strategies and fostering industry collaboration.
- homas Monz, CEO of AQT – Alpine Quantum Technologies – Demonstrated the potential for quantum computing applications in finance, risk analysis, and secure communication
Objectives an vision of the Quanten-Hub Tirol
The Quanten-Hub Tirol aims to leverage Tyrol’s strong research base in quantum science to create a dynamic ecosystem that bridges fundamental research and commercial applications. The main objectives are:
1. Bridging research and industry
The hub will act as a connector between academic research and industrial applications, ensuring that quantum breakthroughs reach real-world use cases. By linking fundamental research with technology development, the hub aims to create tangible economic value and strengthen Tyrol’s position as a global leader in quantum technology.
2. Fostering innovation and commercialization
The initiative focuses on developing a unique technological focus (USP) in quantum computing and semiconductor technology. This includes:
- Scaling research innovations into commercial products.
- Supporting startups and spin-offs to accelerate commercialization.
- Collaborating with national and international partners to enhance technological capabilities.
3. Attracting funding and investment
To ensure sustainable growth, the hub will develop a structured funding strategy, leveraging opportunities at regional, national, and EU levels. The objective is to secure public and private investments that support the expansion of quantum technology applications.
4. Growing the startup and industry ecosystem
The hub will actively support local and international quantum companies to establish operations in Tyrol. This includes:
- Facilitating strategic industry partnerships.
- Connecting startups with investors and mentors.
- Encouraging collaborations across academia and industry.
5. Developing quantum talent
To foster the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, the hub will work closely with universities and research institutions to develop specialized education and training programs in:
- Microelectronics
- Solid-state physics
- Quantum software engineering
6. Creating high-tech jobs and economic growth
By attracting highly skilled professionals and promoting the growth of quantum startups, the Quanten-Hub Tirol aims to create new high-tech jobs in research, development, and industrial production, thereby strengthening Tyrol’s economy.
Positioning Tyrol as a global quantum leader
Tyrol has a rich tradition of quantum research, shaped by pioneering work from Anton Zeilinger, Peter Zoller, and Rainer Blatt. Today, it is home to:
- The Excellence Cluster Quantum Science Austria (quantA) – Coordinated by the University of Innsbruck, bringing together over 60 research groups from Innsbruck, Vienna, Linz, and Klosterneuburg.
- Leading quantum startups like AQT and ParityQC, which are transforming research into commercial solutions.
- One of Europe’s most advanced infrastructures for quantum computing and quantum communication.
Strategic roadmap and next steps
The Quanten-Hub Tirol will now focus on:
- Identifying strategic areas of competitive advantage in quantum science.
- Developing industry-driven quantum applications, including quantum computing for risk analysis and secure quantum communication.
- Expanding collaborations between research institutions and industry leaders.
- Securing public and private funding to ensure sustainable growth.
Conclusion: A catalyst for quantum innovation
The launch of the Quanten-Hub Tirol represents a strategic step towards transforming Tyrol into a global hub for quantum technology. By bridging research and industry, fostering innovation and commercialization, and creating high-tech jobs, the hub is poised to lead the future of quantum science and technology.
