Future Technologies in the Spotlight

Quantum Computing and Fiber-Optic Expansion at the Digital Summit 2024

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At this year’s Digital Summit in Frankfurt, the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD presented forward-looking technologies and innovative approaches in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), urban digital twins, and quantum computing.

Best Practice Showcase: Accelerating Fiber-Optic Expansion Through AI and Urban Digital Twins

© Fraunhofer IGD
Moderator Dr. Eva Klien (second from right) led an engaging discussion on accelerating planning processes for fiber-optic expansion.

As part of the best-practice presentation “AI and Urban Digital Twins for Accelerating Planning in Municipal Environments”, experts from Fraunhofer IGD demonstrated on Monday, October 21, how nationwide fiber-optic expansion can be made more efficient with the help of digital twins and AI. From improved cost forecasting to dynamic planning, the solutions presented make it possible to significantly accelerate fiber-optic rollout. In addition to moderator Dr. Eva Klien (Fraunhofer IGD), the discussion featured Dr. Michel Krämer and Kevin Kocon (both Fraunhofer IGD), Prof. Dr. Alexander Reiterer (Fraunhofer IPM), and Daniel Puzicha (Deutsche Telekom Technik GmbH).

 

More information on our infrastructure research

Quantum Computing and Its Future Perspectives

© Fraunhofer IGD
Dr.-Ing. Johannes Sebastian Müller-Römer represented our research in the field of quantum computing at the ZAQC booth and as a panel moderator: “Quantum computing was a central topic at the Digital Summit 2024. The strong participation highlighted the economic interest, while uncertainties regarding the timeline for practical usability underscored the need for increased and well-coordinated support for science and education.”

At the booth of the Center for Applied Quantum Computing (ZAQC), Fraunhofer IGD—together with TU Darmstadt and Fraunhofer SIT—offered interactive insights into the potential of quantum computing. Visitors were able to learn about future application areas and the challenges of quantum encryption.

As part of the panel discussion “Quantum Computing – Application Areas and Political Governance of a Future Technology” on Tuesday, October 22, leading experts from science, industry, and politics exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges of quantum computing. Moderated by Dr. Johannes Sebastian Müller-Römer (Fraunhofer IGD), the discussion provided fascinating insights into the development of this key technology. Panelists included Engelbert Beyer (BMBF), Dr. Walter Fischedick (Hessian Ministry for Digitalization and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Bettina Just (TH Mittelhessen), Dr. Johann Schmidt (DLR), Prof. Dr. Nikolay Tcholtchev (Fraunhofer FOKUS), and Dr. Jan Timper (Research Center Jülich).

 

More information on the Center for Applied Quantum Computing (ZAQC)