Quantum Peaks II: Experience Quantum Technologies and Shape the Future Together
Three days, three challenges, and many new perspectives.
From September 29 to October 1, 2026, the Quantum Peaks II Science Camp took place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Together with Fraunhofer IAO and QUANDERLAND, we organized an event that brought together science, practical experience, education, and a whole lot of curiosity. And we can say: The atmosphere was really great.
Working Together on Real-World Challenges
The Science Camp centered on three challenges. The goal wasn’t just to examine quantum technologies from a theoretical perspective. Participants were encouraged to explore potential applications in concrete terms and develop ideas together.
Sustainable Buildings
How can building envelopes be visualized and energy requirements better understood?
Quantum Sensing
How can quantum technologies enable smart specialty vehicles, more precise sensing, and safer transportation?
Quantum Heart
How can we visualize the heart’s magnetic field and thereby gain new insights beyond those provided by a conventional ECG?
Over the course of the three days, participants discussed, experimented, tinkered, and, of course, shared plenty of laughter. The participants’ diverse backgrounds continually provided fresh perspectives. On the last day, things got exciting: The teams presented their results in pitches.It was impressive to see what had emerged from the individual research questions in such a short time.
Quantum Minilabs on the Road
Of course, our Quantum Minilabs project from the “quantum aktiv” funding program was a must-have for us. With the Quantum Minilabs, we aim to make quantum technologies understandable and, above all, tangible. The experiment kits provide a hands-on introduction to quantum physics and demonstrate that getting started in this exciting field doesn’t have to be complicated at all.
In keeping with this theme, we also visited the Archdiocesan St. Irmengard High School in Garmisch-Partenkirchen during Quantum Peaks II. There, we had the opportunity to lead workshops using our Quantum Minilabs and give students their first glimpse into the world of quantum technologies.Among other things, we worked together to test the Michelson interferometer. This allowed the students to experience firsthand how interference can be made visible and what role such phenomena play in quantum physics.
We were also able to conduct a workshop with the rest of the participants at the Quantum Peaks II Science Camp. Among other topics, the program included ODMR, or Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance. Through this experiment, the participants gained practical insight into a method of quantum sensing and experienced firsthand how quantum effects can be measured and made visible. In this way, theory quickly became practice, and abstract concepts such as interference and quantum sensing were transformed into hands-on experimentation.
Science Meets Mountain Views
In addition to the workshops, challenges, and pitches, there was, of course, also time for networking and shared experiences. A special highlight was the sunrise hike on the last day. Early in the morning, we set off together into the mountains. The sunrise, the mountain views, and the conversations along the way provided a special conclusion to three intense days. After all, sometimes new ideas don’t just emerge in the workshop room. For us, Quantum Peaks II was one thing above all else: a great opportunity to bring people together and reflect on the future of quantum technologies.
A big thank you goes to Fraunhofer IAO, QUANDERLAND, and, of course, to all the participants, whose curiosity, ideas, and positive energy made these three days so special. We’re taking many new impressions and exciting ideas back with us to the FabLab and look forward to following up on the connections and ideas we’ve made.
