Quantum Sensing Initiative
What is emerging today in quantum technology could transform entire industries tomorrow. The potential is growing to fundamentally redefine the limits of what is possible. We believe quantum sensing is one of the fields with the greatest potential for breakthrough innovation. That is why the Quantum Sensing Initiative
creates a new framework for bold ideas, technological breakthroughs, and application-oriented innovation - with the goal of identifying promising approaches at an early stage and building a strong ecosystem in Germany and Europe.
With the first two SPRIND Funken in the field of quantum sensing, Quantum-Driven Intelligence
and QuantumSense Exploration
we are setting an initial impulse.
But this launch is only the beginning.
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Quantum sensors promise a fundamentally new quality of measurement: more precise, more sensitive, and in many cases capable of detecting information that has previously been invisible or difficult to access. At the same time, the convergence of data analytics, AI, and novel sensing methods is opening entirely new application possibilities — from industry and mobility to climate and environmental monitoring, as well as security and infrastructure.
Precisely because the technology is still evolving, we see a unique opportunity to identify bold approaches and actively accelerate them now. Our focus is not limited to individual technologies, but encompasses the full breadth of the field.
The Starting Point for a Growing Ecosystem
The current SPRIND Funken mark the beginning of a long-term initiative and broader series of measures in quantum sensing - ranging from challenges and exploratory programs to individual investments and additional support formats.
Our goal is to bring together stakeholders who too often still work in isolation today: researchers, start-ups, industry, deep-tech teams, users, and investors. Truly transformative innovations emerge where technological excellence meets real-world challenges and bold entrepreneurial thinking.
Europe has the opportunity to take a leading international role in quantum sensing. Now is the right time to actively shape that future.
If you believe your idea has the potential to push existing boundaries and you are ready to embark on the journey toward a market-ready product, we would love to hear from you.
Webinar
Funken
Who is this initiative aimed at?
We want to connect with people and teams working on new approaches in quantum sensing - whether you are still in an early-stage research phase, already demonstrating first applications, or preparing for the next scaling step.
What matters? The ambition to build a market-ready product and the determination to pursue it with full commitment.
Here's how we support your projects:
SPRIND offers a range of instruments to support projects with breakthrough innovation potential according to their specific needs: from low-threshold experimental formats to long-term financing and strategic guidance. SPRIND’s possibilities are as diverse and individual as quantum sensing and its applications themselves. Projects can be supported through different funding instruments depending on their stage of maturity.
We are interested not only in what is technologically possible, but also in where new markets, applications, and value creation can emerge.
What kind of talent are we looking for?
We are looking for people who think big, are not afraid of technological risk, and are ready to explore new paths. Let’s work together to turn scientific progress into tangible breakthrough innovations and build a strong European ecosystem for quantum sensing.
Contact us
The Quantum Sensing Initiative creates a new framework for bold ideas, technological breakthroughs, and application-oriented innovation. Those who want to measure the limits must learn to push them.
The team presented here represents the initiative externally and drives key developments forward. We look forward to hearing from you and to your involvement.
Dr. Michael Hofstetter
michael.hofstetter@sprind.org
LinkedInHead of the Quantum Sensing Initiative
- Michael leads the Quantum Sensing Initiative at SPRIND.
- Prior to this, he spent nearly two decades as a venture architect, innovation consultant, project developer, and program manager, working on the realization of disruptive business ideas and the development of innovative programs in fields including energy, quantum computing, and 3D printing.
- Michael studied physics in Germany and abroad and earned his doctorate in attosecond physics at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics / LMU Munich.
Dr. Antonia Schmalz
antonia.schmalz@sprind.orgLinkedIn
Innovation Manager focusing on Fusion and Photonics
- At SPRIND, Antonia plays a key role in driving investments and programs in areas including fusion, photonics, and other physics-heavy topics. She leads the SPRIND subsidiary Pulsed Light Technologies GmbH and previously advised ministries at the state and federal level on research funding in microelectronics.
- Antonia studied physics and earned her doctorate in laser-driven particle acceleration at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics / LMU Munich.
