On September 26, 2018, the German federal government announced a framework programme titled “Quantum Technologies: From Basic Research to Market,” allocating €650 million in new funding for quantum technology development through 2022. The programme represented a joint effort of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), and the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), according to the published framework document.
The €650 million allocation supplemented existing annual government funding of approximately €100 million for quantum research. According to reporting at the time, the programme covered quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum simulation, with goals including strengthening Germany’s position in international quantum research, preparing new economic opportunities, and informing the public about quantum technologies.
A portion of the programme also included measures to bring quantum technologies into educational settings, including schools. The framework was designed with a possible extension to 2028.