Quantum Valley Lower Saxony
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) e.V., founded in 2020, is a non-profit association coordinating quantum technology research, technology transfer, education, and startup incubation across approximately 400 scientists in Lower Saxony, Germany, funded primarily by state and federal public grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersHanover, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Quantum Valley Lower Saxony does
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) e.V. is a non-profit association founded in 2020 that operates as the central coordinating body for quantum technology research, technology transfer, education, and ecosystem building in Lower Saxony, Germany. Headquartered at Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover, QVLS connects approximately 400 scientists across partner institutions including TU Braunschweig, Leibniz Universität Hannover, PTB (Germany's national metrology institute), the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, DLR-SI, and Fraunhofer, alongside industry members such as Q.ANT, Sartorius, QubeDot, NXP Semiconductors, and TÜV Nord Group. The association serves research institutions, industrial partners, government stakeholders, and quantum-technology startups, with the explicit purpose of translating quantum research into commercial and societal applications.
QVLS's core technical focus is trapped-ion quantum computing, with multiple quantum computer demonstrators being developed in parallel at Leibniz Universität Hannover's HITec facility and partner sites operating at cryogenic temperatures (4-5 Kelvin) using laser- and microwave-based qubit manipulation. Notable technical components include a cryogenic CMOS integrated qubit control chip developed at TU Braunschweig's Institute of CMOS Design that addresses scalability by reaching more qubits with fewer wires and less heat, and the OptoGaN porous gallium nitride process enabling 3D waveguides for miniaturized laser systems. The association runs four primary programs: QVLS-iLabs (future cluster for quantum transfer under Clusters4Future), QVLS-HTI (a 500 sqm HighTech Incubator at Rolleiwerke Braunschweig housing 11 startups), QVLS-Q1 (€25M quantum computer realization project), and the BRIGHT project under the Nitride Technology Centre, which extends into neuromorphic optical neural network research.
QVLS does not sell commercial products or services; its revenue model is built on multi-year public grants from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the BMBF, supplemented by membership contributions. Cumulative identified public funding reaches approximately €65 million across 2022-2031. In November 2025, QVLS established QVLS Innovation GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to begin generating commercialization-related revenue through industry transfer. Distribution and go-to-market operate through membership enrollment, event-driven engagement (HANNOVER MESSE, World of Quantum, EQTC, Falling Walls), educational programs (Winter School, Quantum Future Academy, Masterclasses), and the HighTech Incubator, which together form the primary channels through which the association onboards research partners, industry members, and startup tenants.
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Quantum Valley Lower Saxony
- Legal name
- Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) e. V.
- Website
- https://qvls.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) e.V., founded in 2020, is a non-profit association coordinating quantum technology research, technology transfer, education, and startup incubation across approximately 400 scientists in Lower Saxony, Germany, funded primarily by state and federal public grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Quantum Technology Research and Ecosystem Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Standards, Testbeds & Open Research Infrastructure (HDAGAMAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quantum Cloud Infrastructure & QPU Hosting (HDAGAIAA), Quantum Community, Developer Relations & Ecosystem Programs (HDAGALAJ), Quantum Education & Certification Programs (HDAGALAA)
Keywords
Where Quantum Valley Lower Saxony is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hanover
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership fees and association contributions: QVLS e.V. operates as a non-profit association funded by member contributions, government grants from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, and the Volkswagen Foundation.
- Government funding and grants: Core funding from niedersächsisches Wissenschaftsministerium (Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture) and Volkswagenstiftung for research and transfer activities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) is a non-profit association that operates as a regional quantum technology ecosystem connecting scientific research, industry partners, and government stakeholders in Lower Saxony, Germany. Its core offerings include coordinated quantum computing research (trapped-ion technology), technology transfer programs, a high-tech incubator for quantum startups, and educational initiatives such as the Winter School and Quantum Future Academy. The organization also drives funding programmes (QVLS-iLabs, QVLS-BRIQ, QVLS-Q1) and policy engagement to accelerate quantum technology commercialization.
Product overview
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) is a non-profit association (QVLS e.V.) established in 2020 that functions as a regional quantum technology ecosystem/network rather than a traditional product company. It connects scientific expertise, industry partners, and political stakeholders in Lower Saxony to advance quantum technologies through collaborative research, technology transfer, education, and startup support. Key organizational initiatives include the QVLS-iLabs future cluster (Clusters4Future programme), the QVLS HighTech Incubator (QVLS-HTI), the newly founded QVLS Innovation GmbH, the QTIndu quantum technology training programme for industry, the Quantum Future Academy, and QVLS Winter School. The organization does not offer commercial software products or platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- QVLS-iLabs: Future cluster for quantum technology research and transfer, bringing together science and industry
- QVLS-HTI
- QVLS Innovation GmbH
Products and services
- QVLS-iLabs Future Cluster Clusters4Future programme funded with up to €15 million from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), bringing together science and industry partners for quantum technology transfer. Includes new speaker teams with tandems from science and industry to strengthen research-to-application linkage.
- QVLS HighTech Incubator (QVLS-HTI) High-tech incubator providing approximately 500 square meters of office and laboratory space at the historic Rolleiwerke in Braunschweig, housing 11 quantum technology start-ups including QUDORA Technologies, MKFS electronics, Agile Optics, Zeptocision, and Cavity technologies.
- QVLS Innovation GmbH Wholly-owned subsidiary entity established to support innovation and technology transfer in quantum technologies, marking a milestone in the evolution of the quantum initiative toward commercialization.
- QVLS Winter School Annual educational programme on quantum computing and quantum logic with trapped ions, including lectures, start-up and industry visits, and evening events. Held 23–27 February 2026.
- Quantum Future Academy Educational programme with capacity for 30 students per session, providing training in quantum technologies for the next generation of quantum workforce.
- QVLS-Q1 Quantum Computer Project Five-year project (2022–2025) for the realization of a quantum computer using trapped-ion technology, supported by €25 million from the zukunft.niedersachsen programme.
- QVLS-BRIQ Quantum Technology Research Next phase of quantum technology research funded with €5.5 million from the State of Lower Saxony and Volkswagen Foundation, extending through end of 2031.
- BRIGHT Project (Nitride Technology Centre) Lower Saxony microelectronics consortium led by TU Braunschweig developing neuromorphic computing based on LEDs and nitride technologies. Funded with €15 million from the state of Lower Saxony and Volkswagen Foundation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 11 quantum technology start-ups supported at QVLS-HTI incubator
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Quantum Valley Lower Saxony
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Technische Universität BraunschweigcoreTU Braunschweig is a founding member and key research partner, contributing expertise in quantum computing, semiconductor technology, and microelectronics through institutes including the Institute of Semiconductor Technology and Institute of CMOS Design.
- Leibniz Universität HannovercoreLUH is a founding member providing expertise in quantum optics and quantum computing through the Institute of Quantum Optics. The university's HITec facility houses quantum computer demonstrators.
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)corePTB, Germany's national metrology institute, provides expertise in quantum metrology and houses quantum computing research and the QTZ (Quantum Technology Competence Center).
- Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute)coreAEI contributes to quantum technology research within the QVLS ecosystem, particularly in areas related to quantum sensing and metrology.
- DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial SensingsupportingDLR-SI contributes expertise in satellite geodesy and inertial sensing technologies relevant to quantum sensor applications.
- Fraunhofer-GesellschaftsupportingFraunhofer contributes applied research expertise to support technology transfer from quantum research to industrial applications.
- SartoriussupportingLife science company contributing industry perspective and potential applications of quantum technologies in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
- QubeDotsupportingQuantum technology company participating in the QVLS ecosystem for industry collaboration and technology development.
- QVLS-iLabs (Future Cluster)coreClusters4Future project bringing together science and industry partners for quantum technology transfer, funded with €15 million from federal government. New speaker teams with tandems from science and industry strengthen the link between research and application.
- Nitride Technology Centre (NTC)coreLower Saxony microelectronics consortium led by TU Braunschweig developing neuromorphic computing based on LEDs and nitride technologies, with €15 million in state and Volkswagen Foundation funding.
- Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontierscoreJoint cluster of TU Braunschweig, LUH, and PTB pushing boundaries of quantum metrology, supported by two Alexander von Humboldt Professorships.
- European Quantum FlagshipsupportingEU-wide quantum technology initiative; QVLS co-organized EQTC 2023 bringing together European quantum ecosystem stakeholders.
- Q.ANT GmbHsupportingMember specializing in quantum technologies and photonic solutions, developing cutting-edge quantum sensors and computing systems.
- TÜV Nord GroupsupportingTechnology service provider member; jointly researching tap-proof satellite communication with LUH's Institute of Photonics, receiving €100,000 annual grant for quantum-secure communication research.
- hannoverimpulssupportingJoint economic development agency of Hannover Region supporting technology transfer and helping quantum technologies reach companies in the region.
- Nord/LBsupportingRegional bank providing support for quantum algorithm applications research and identifying innovative trends in the quantum sector.
- powerBridge Computer Vertriebs GmbHsupportingNew member company in the QVLS network supporting quantum technology ecosystem.
- QUDORA TechnologiessupportingDeep-tech spin-off of PTB and LUH developing quantum processors based on ion trap technology. Awarded €208.5 million DLR contract for 50-qubit quantum computer with NXP Semiconductors.
- Keio University (Tokyo, Japan)supportingGerman-Japanese research cooperation with TU Braunschweig on germanium quantum dots for quantum computers and collaboration on CMOS chip development.
- NXP SemiconductorssupportingConsortium partner with QUDORA Technologies on the €208.5 million DLR Quantum Computing Initiative contract for 50-qubit ion-based quantum computer.
- ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORDsupportingCooperation with LUH's Institute of Photonics for quantum-secure satellite communication research.
- Skellig GamessupportingPublisher for QUANTista quantum technology board game project, producing first 3,000 demonstrators for games fairs and cafés.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Chicago Quantum Exchange: US-based quantum technology exchange linking University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and industry partners. Comparable as a regional consortium building a quantum ecosystem for research and industry collaboration.
- Munich Quantum Valley: Germany's other flagship regional quantum hub, established in 2021 in Bavaria with similar triple-helix structure linking LMU, TU Munich, Max Planck, and industry. Highly comparable as a federally funded state-level quantum ecosystem with a focus on quantum computing and sensor technology.
- QuTech (Delft, Netherlands): Joint quantum research collaboration between TU Delft and TNO, founded 2014, operating one of Europe's leading quantum testbeds and the Quantum Inspire cloud platform. Highly comparable as a non-profit research consortium building quantum hardware and an open ecosystem.
- UK Quantum Hubs (NQTP / Quantum Technologies: UK's national network of four quantum technology hubs (NQTP) funded by UKRI, covering quantum computing, sensing, communications, and imaging. Comparable as a government-funded national quantum ecosystem linking universities and industry.
- Quantum Valley (Waterloo, Canada): The original 'Quantum Valley' initiative anchored by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute. Highly comparable as a regional quantum ecosystem combining research, talent, and industry commercialization.
- Center for Quantum Technologies (Singapore): National quantum research center at the National University of Singapore, hosting multidisciplinary quantum research and serving as a regional quantum ecosystem hub. Comparable as a non-profit quantum research consortium with government backing.
- QED-C (Quantum Economic Development Consortium): US-based industry-driven consortium managed by SRI International to grow the quantum industry ecosystem and workforce. Comparable as a non-profit consortium connecting quantum research, industry, and policy stakeholders.
Broad incumbents
- IBM Quantum: Largest commercial quantum computing platform using superconducting qubits, operating IBM Quantum Network with research institutions worldwide. Comparable as a large-scale quantum ecosystem builder and cloud access provider, but operating globally with vastly larger resources.
- IonQ: Public US quantum computing company using trapped-ion technology (originally from University of Maryland / Duke). Comparable on modality choice (ion-trap) and as a commercialization pathway for trapped-ion quantum research outputs.
- Quantinuum: Commercial trapped-ion quantum computing company spun out from Honeywell. Directly comparable on the underlying ion-trap technology QVLS develops, but operates as a scaled commercial platform rather than a research consortium.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony social profiles
Digital presenceQuantum Valley Lower Saxony financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Quantum Valley Lower Saxony M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Quantum Valley Lower Saxony
What does Quantum Valley Lower Saxony do?
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS) is a non-profit association that operates as a regional quantum technology ecosystem connecting scientific research, industry partners, and government stakeholders in Lower Saxony, Germany. Its core offerings include coordinated quantum computing research (trapped-ion technology), technology transfer programs, a high-tech incubator for quantum startups, and educational initiatives such as the Winter School and Quantum Future Academy. The organization also drives funding programmes (QVLS-iLabs, QVLS-BRIQ, QVLS-Q1) and policy engagement to accelerate quantum technology commercialization.
Is Quantum Valley Lower Saxony a public or private company?
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Quantum Valley Lower Saxony founded?
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Quantum Valley Lower Saxony based?
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony is headquartered in Hanover, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Quantum Valley Lower Saxony make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership fees and association contributions are the primary driver. The others are government funding and grants.
Who are Quantum Valley Lower Saxony's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Chicago Quantum Exchange, Munich Quantum Valley, QuTech (Delft, Netherlands), UK Quantum Hubs (NQTP / Quantum Technologies, Quantum Valley (Waterloo, Canada), Center for Quantum Technologies (Singapore) and QED-C (Quantum Economic Development Consortium). Broad incumbents are IBM Quantum, IonQ and Quantinuum.
Does Quantum Valley Lower Saxony have an API?
No public API is recorded for Quantum Valley Lower Saxony.
What industry is Quantum Valley Lower Saxony in?
Quantum Valley Lower Saxony's product category is Quantum Technology Research and Ecosystem Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAMAL, Quantum Standards, Testbeds & Open Research Infrastructure, with a secondary code of HDAGAIAA, Quantum Cloud Infrastructure & QPU Hosting. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 8731.