Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

Jena LIGHT 2026
Photonics in Quantum Computing


The latest Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub (QPIH) workshop on “Photonics in Quantum Computing”. The Photonic Quantum Systems department aims to advance applied quantum technology through a unique combination of systems thinking and cutting-edge photonic technologies. The event is part of our Quantum Photonics Industry Workshop Series.

Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub

Biannual workshop series at the intersection of industry and academia - Part of our Quantum Photonics Industry Workshop Series

This proposed two-day workshop “Photonics in Quantum Computing” is hosted in cooperation of the Institute for Applied Physics (IAP) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Fraunhofer IOF. It aims to bring together industry and academia to discuss the role and challenges of photonics in quantum computing, with a focus on industry perspective and near-term application potential.

The event will involve invited speakers from academia and industry, contributed talks, discussion panels, poster session, and laboratory tours at the Beutenberg Campus. The planned venues are the Abbe Center of Photonics and the Fraunhofer IOF.

Join us in Jena for this networking event to shape the future of quantum technology!

 

Register here for the workshop

Quantum optical imaging system.
© Fraunhofer IOF

Photonics in Quantum Computing

Explore breakthroughs in quantum technologies for applications. This dynamic workshop brings together stakeholders from industry and academia to discuss innovations and challenges of Photonic Quantum Systems.

 

© Jacob Schroeter, TSK

Language: English

Fees: free of charge

Registration deadline:
September 1, 2026

Privacy policy: Data Protection

 

Date: September 16 - 17, 2026

 

Beginning: 11:00 a.m. (16.09.)

 

End: 4:35 p.m. (17.09.)

 

Type of workshop: public, on-site

Venues:

Abbe Center of Photonics
Albert-Einstein-Straße 6
07745 Jena

 

Fraunhofer IOF
Albert-Einstein-Straße 7
07745 Jena

Detailed Information Photonics in Quantum Computing

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Workshop on PHOTONICS IN QUANTUM COMPUTING

TIME

TOPIC

11.00 a.m. -
1.00 p.m.

Opening Plenary

  • Introduction to QPIH series and Jena LIGHT 2026, Keynote & Presentations
  • Opening Panel Discussion
    		•

    1.00 p.m. -
    2.00 p.m.

    Networking lunch

    2.00 p.m. -
    3.10 p.m.

    Session 1: Photonic Architectures

  • Roadmap and architecture white paper, Gaussian Boson Sampling
  • Panel ‘Photonic platforms’
    		•

    3.10 p.m. -
    3.45 p.m.

    Coffee break & poster exhibition (first look)

    3.45 p.m. -
    4.45 p.m.

    Session 2: Use Cases for Quantum Computation

  • Quantum advantage in optimisation and simulation, Near-term quantum algorithms and use cases for photonic hardware
  • Panel Discussion / Q&A from Talks
    		•

    4.45 p.m. -
    5.45 p.m.

    Session 3: Enabling Technologies I

  • SNSPDs, Time-Tagging, Detector integration
  • Panel Discussion / Q&A from Talks
    		•

    6.05 p.m. -
    6.45 p.m.

    Industry Pitches & Ecosystem Discussion

  • Flash Pitches (2 min per pitch) & Fraunhofer IOF Show & Tell
    		•

    6.45 p.m. -
    9.15 p.m.

    Poster Session with Beer & Pizza

    The agenda may still be subject to change.

    Workshop on PHOTONICS IN QUANTUM COMPUTING

    TIME

    TOPIC

    9.00 a.m. -
    10.30 a.m.

    Laboratory Tour

  • Guided tour of Fraunhofer IOF/ACP in parallel groups: Nanofabrication facilities, GBS system demonstrator, ACP
    		•

    10.30 a.m. -
    11.40 a.m.

    Session 4: Beyond Photonic: Ion Traps, Atoms, Transducers

  • Panel Discussion / Q&A from Talks
    		•

    12.00 p.m. -
    12.45 p.m.

    Session 5: Distributed Computing & Quantum Networks

  • Discussion: Open Floor
    		•

    12.45 p.m. -
    1.45 p.m.

    Networking Lunch

    1.45 p.m. -
    2.00 p.m.

    Session 6: Enabling Technologies II

  • Low-loss photonic processors, Chip-to-fibre coupling, Modulators and Demultiplexers, Standards, qualification, and supply-chain readiness
  • Panel Discussion / Q&A from Talks
    		•

    3.05 p.m. -
    3.30 p.m.

    Coffee break

    Closing Session

    3.30 p.m. -
    3.40 p.m

    Synthesis: key messages from two days

    3.45 p.m. -
    3.50 p.m.

    Best poster award announcement

    3.50 p.m. -
    4.25 p.m.

    Roundtable: "What should we build together ?"

    4.25 p.m. -
    4.35 p.m.

    Closing remarks

    The agenda may still be subject to change.

    Mission

     

    Modern quantum technology and the targeted generation, manipulation and use of individual quantum particles promise innovative applications. In this workshop, we specifically concentrate on photonic quantum technology.

    Together with stakeholders from industry and academia, we are looking forward to discussing innovations and challenges. Besides our scientists from Fraunhofer IOF we are looking forward to presentations from experts from industry and academia.

    But not only our knowledge will be broadened at this event – during breaks we have time and opportunity to widen our network and forge new connections.

    Fees and booking

     

    This workshop is public, on-site and free of charge. If there are any places left, the workshop will also be open to students. We will provide explicit information about this.

    Registration is mandatory under the following link.

     

    Register here for the workshop

    Your benefits

     

    • Gain insights from leading experts in photonic quantum technology and stay updated on the latest advancements.
    • Network with professionals and peers, fostering collaborations and partnerships in the field.
    • Enhance technical knowledge and skills applicable to current and future projects in quantum technology.
    • Explore potential funding opportunities and resources for research and development in quantum initiatives.

    Target group

     

    • Researchers and scientists in the fields of quantum physics and quantum system engineering.
    • Industry professionals and entrepreneurs looking to explore applications of quantum technology for industry solutions .

    Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

     

    The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts applied research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems to control light – from generation and manipulation to its application. The services offered by the Institute cover the entire photonic process chain from optomechanical and optoelectronic system design to manufacturing of custom-specific solutions and prototypes. 

    Current focuses of our research activities include freeform technologies, micro- and nanotechnologies, fiber laser systems, quantum optics, and optical technologies for safe human-machine interaction. The institute operates in the business fields of Sensors & Metrology, Opto-mechanical Systems, and Light Sources & Lasers.

    The event is intended to be hosted under the umbrella series Jena LIGHT 2026: Symposium of the Profile Line "LIGHT" at FSU Jena in collaboration with Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub (QPIH) Workshop Series

     

    How to get there

    Please register here for your slot at Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub: "Photonics in Quantum Computing"

    Registration form


    Registration will open on July 1, 2026

    End of registration: September 1, 2026