Basque Government strengthens quantum ties with visit to Munich Quantum Valley

• The meeting lays foundations for future collaboration in quantum technologies
• It aligns the strategic roadmaps of the Basque Country and Bavaria through Basque Quantum and Munich Quantum Valley

Basque Minister for Science, Universities and Innovation, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, visited Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) in Munich (Germany) on 27 and 28 November to strengthen cooperation between the Basque Country and Bavaria in the field of quantum science and technologies. He was joined by Basque Deputy Minister for Science and Innovation, Adolfo Morais, and Director of Science Policy, Amaia Esquisabel.

The Basque delegation met with the MQV management team, leading representatives of the Bavarian scientific community, and the Director of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching, Dr Ignacio Cirac. These meetings mark a significant step forward in international collaboration and in identifying synergies to accelerate the scientific, technological, and socio-economic impact of quantum technologies in the Basque Country and Bavaria.

Sharing strategies: Munich Quantum Valley and Basque Quantum

The visit commenced with an institutional presentation of Munich Quantum Valley by CEO Julia Rucha, Managing Director Andrea Lenz, and Head of Coordination and Projects Isabel Sosada. Discussions focused on the main achievements of the Bavarian ecosystem and its model of collaboration between universities, research centres, and technology companies.

The Basque Government subsequently presented the Basque Quantum Strategy, outlining its objectives, priority areas, and long-term vision to position the Basque Country as an international benchmark in quantum technologies. Following the presentations, a working session explored areas of shared interest in research, talent training, and knowledge transfer.

Researchers from universities and centres belonging to the MQV presented their work in quantum physics, quantum hardware, and software, as well as possible industrial applications. This exchange enabled the Basque delegation to gain first-hand knowledge of the capabilities and projects underway in Bavaria and to analyse avenues for future scientific and technological collaboration.

Visit to the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics

On the second day, the delegation travelled to the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Garching. The delegation met with representatives of start-ups linked to the MQV and with various initiatives promoting the Bavarian quantum ecosystem. Discussions were also held with university officials to analyse the specialised training offered in quantum technologies.

The visit concluded with a working meeting with the centre's director, Dr Ignacio Cirac, examining the main strengths of both research and innovation ecosystems and identifying opportunities for closer collaboration.

Collaboration to accelerate socio-economic impact

Both parties agreed on the importance of establishing an ongoing dialogue between the Munich Quantum Valley initiative and the Basque Quantum strategy. They agreed to work on identifying best practices, shared challenges, and new opportunities for cooperation to strengthen Europe's position in the quantum field.

Within this framework, possible avenues for cooperation in priority areas will be explored, including: development of joint research projects; exchange of research staff; coordinated participation in European calls for proposals; collaboration in knowledge transfer to the public, business, and industrial sectors.

These actions seek to maximise the impact of investments in quantum science and technology in both the Basque Country and Bavaria.

Agreements were also made to organise a specific meeting between research groups and start-ups from both ecosystems to encourage the exchange of ideas, strengthen collaboration networks, and promote new opportunities for scientific and technological development.

About Munich Quantum Valley

Established in 2021, Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) is a pioneering initiative bringing together more than 40 institutions, including universities, research centres, technology companies, and public bodies in Bavaria. Its members include internationally renowned universities, institutes such as the Max Planck Institute, centres of excellence in physics and technology, and start-ups and large corporations in the quantum sector. This diversity fosters a unique ecosystem dedicated to research, development, and technology transfer in quantum computing in Germany.

MQV has established itself as an international benchmark in the field of quantum technologies, leading collaborative projects and establishing strategic alliances with institutions around the world. The initiative is notable for its impact on talent training and for attracting significant investment to position Bavaria and Munich as global hubs for quantum development.

Ignacio Cirac, a renowned Spanish researcher, key figure in the field of quantum computing, and member of the DIPC Scientific Advisory Committee, heads one of the Max Planck centres within this ambitious project, reinforcing MQV’s international leadership and scientific excellence.

About the Basque Quantum Strategy

Led by the Basque Government in collaboration with the three Basque Priovincial Councils and Ikerbasque (the Basque Foundation for Science), the Basque Quantum Strategy launched in March 2023. It marks the start of an ambitious roadmap to position the Basque Country as a European and global benchmark in quantum science and technologies. Significant milestones include: establishing a network of associated research centres and universities; signing strategic agreements with leading companies in the sector; launching specialised training programmes to attract young talent and consolidate a first-rate scientific and professional community; providing unique infrastructure for scientific and industrial use, such as the IBM Quantum System Two quantum computer located in Donostia-San Sebastián, which is part of the strategic European infrastructure with the STEP (Strategic Technology for Europe Platform) seal.

Looking ahead, the Strategy aims to consolidate a robust quantum ecosystem that drives disruptive innovation and the application of quantum technologies in Basque and European industry and society. Plans include the creation of new laboratories, the development of quantum computing platforms accessible to local companies, and the integration of quantum science into strategic sectors such as banking, health, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The primary objective of Basque Quantum is that, by 2030, the Basque Country will be among the most advanced territories in Europe and the world in research, technology transfer, and talent training in the quantum field, contributing to European scientific and technological leadership.