Under the motto “At the edge of possibility - quantum technologies made by DLR” and on the occasion of the international quantum year, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is presenting projects and missions at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 that show how quantum technologies are opening up new horizons for research, industry and business. Exhibits in this area show, for example, developments for future-oriented quantum sensors and satellite-based quantum encryption for secure communication. In addition, there is work in the area of compact laser-optical clocks for satellite navigation systems and for miniaturized and space-qualified quantum memories for a satellite-based quantum network.

Quantum technologies – utilizing potential, securing a leading position

DLR is researching and developing such quantum technologies at more than a dozen institutes throughout Germany, benefiting from its unique expertise in the research areas of aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security. DLR's goal is to make quantum mechanical phenomena usable, to develop technologies, to identify users and to support commercialization. The DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) will also be presented at the central DLR stand. It is building a strong ecosystem in the field of quantum computing to accelerate technology transfer between industry and research, support cooperation and create an attractive environment for specialists: In around 80 projects, DLR research, start-ups and industry are jointly developing quantum computers, the necessary technologies and applications to bring quantum computing into use, thus securing a leading international position for Germany and Europe in this field.

Heat transition, aerogels as novel materials and the use of AI for rail infrastructure

The DLR spin-off heatbrAIn is also attending HANNOVER MESSE. The young company is demonstrating how artificial intelligence and geodata analysis can be used to create a database to simplify municipal heating planning. The startup's expertise can also be used to create feasibility studies and transformation plans faster and better. In addition, the DLR is presenting its research on so-called aerogels: these are extremely light and porous carbon materials with a very special nanostructure. They are suitable for many applications where conventional materials reach their limits. For example, they could make battery systems more efficient and durable. From its transport research, the DLR shows how artificial intelligence can be used to reliably detect cracks in railroad ties at an early stage – a contribution to making the railroad infrastructure more reliable in the future.

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