Quantum Sensing Moves Towards a Real Semiconductor Roadmap

The recent Quantum Sensing Workshop in Erlangen offered a clear message: quantum sensing is likely to become the first quantum technology to reach real-world markets. In contrast to quantum computing or quantum communication, quantum sensing technologies are significantly closer to being engineered into robust, certifiable and commercially viable systems.

The workshop was jointly organised by Katrin Al Jezany and Reiner John (AVL List GmbH), together with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Roland Nagy from the Institute of Applied Quantum Technologies at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, within the framework of the Chips Joint Undertaking co-funded projects A-IQ Ready, ARCHIMEDES and Cynergy4MIE. Representatives from these initiatives, along with partners from the MOSAIC project, presented progress across the entire chain of applications within the Chips JU programme.

A key takeaway emerged across all discussions: quantum sensing has evolved from a topic of fundamental physics into a semiconductor-driven and systems-oriented discipline. Bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and real industrial products requires the convergence of five essential semiconductor building blocks:

• Photonics – integrated optics for excitation, readout and signal routing;

• Wide-bandgap technologies – particularly diamond and SiC as robust sensor and power platforms;

• Digital CMOS – enabling control, calibration and safe system integration;

• High-precision analogue and mixed-signal front-ends – essential for capturing ultra-weak quantum signals;

• Hybrid, heterogeneous package integration – combining photonics, wide-bandgap, digital and analogue components into industrial-grade modules;

With focused investment, quantum sensing could unlock more than €1 billion in impact in defence, medicine and automotive applications, strengthening Europe’s position at the intersection of semiconductor and quantum technologies.

The Importance of Clustering Between A-IQ Ready, ARCHIMEDES and Cynergy4MIE

The workshop also highlighted the strategic significance of the clustering activities between the A-IQ Ready, ARCHIMEDES and Cynergy4MIE projects. By aligning technical roadmaps, sharing engineering insights and coordinating research activities, the three initiatives are accelerating progress beyond what any individual project could achieve alone. This clustering enables a unified approach to semiconductor, photonic and system-level challenges, ensures coherence across the full TRL chain, and strengthens Europe’s collective capacity to bring portable quantum sensors to market. The collaboration also provides a platform for partners to demonstrate advancements, exchange expertise, and align future development goals.

During the Quantum Sensor Workshop 2025, partners from A-IQ Ready, ARCHIMEDES and Cynergy4MIE showcased the significant progress made over the past year. AVL, Infineon Technologies, Mercedes-Benz AG, Renault Group, Valeo, ZF Group, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, TTTech Auto, Silicon Austria Labs, EDI – Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, Nagy Lab for Applied Quantum Technologies and Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, have demonstrated the crucial role these projects play in the development of a portable quantum sensor.

Applications Demonstrated

The workshop highlighted several concrete application areas, including:

• Quantum sensor integration in battery management systems;

• A search and rescue robot equipped with a quantum sensor;

• Quantum sensors for measurements in electric motors;

• Quantum sensor for the measurement of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications presented by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. habil. med. Stefan Lyer.

Key Achievements Compared with Last Year

• Complete portability of the measurement setup, enabling on-site measurements at partner locations

• Realisation of a miniaturised sensor head

• Significant improvements in magnetic-field sensitivity

• Continued exploration of new application domains

The three project consortia will continue to support this momentum through the Quantum Sensor Working Group, which aims to map the five technology pillars into Chips JU roadmaps, align funding instruments across the Technology Readiness Level chain, and prepare the next wave of projects for industrial deployment.

Special gratitude was expressed to the organisers - Reiner John, Katrin Al Jezany, Roland Nagy, Rihards Novickis - and to all participants for their contributions and active knowledge exchange. Particular appreciation was extended to the Nagy Lab for Applied Quantum Technologies for hosting the visit to the FAU quantum sensing laboratory.