Last week, our colleagues Ulrich Mans and Julia Oesterling served as delegation leaders during a four-day RVO Innovation Mission, focused on exploring the future of quantum technologies in the aerospace sector. The mission took place across three key German innovation hubs—Stuttgart, Ulm, and Munich—and included visits to some of Germany’s leading quantum and aerospace institutions.

The mission brought together a diverse and dynamic Dutch delegation, including quantum innovators, industry and research leaders, and government representatives. The goal: to reinforce existing collaborations with German counterparts and explore new opportunities at the intersection of cutting-edge research and industrial application.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster trilateral cooperation, supported by the TechBridge program, which launched earlier this month. TechBridge aims to facilitate deeper collaboration between the Netherlands, Germany, and other international partners in emerging technologies.

Throughout the mission, Dutch participants had the opportunity to pitch their work, exchange insights, and build bridges between the innovation ecosystems of Germany and the Netherlands. These exchanges took place during site visits to companies and research institutes, as well as through multiple networking sessions.

The mission highlighted promising applications of quantum technology in aerospace, including:

• Quantum sensing for enhanced precision in navigation and diagnostics

• Quantum computing to tackle complex R&D challenges

• Quantum communication for ultra-secure satellite links and data exchange

The Innovation Mission marks a significant step forward in international collaboration on quantum technologies in aerospace. As the TechBridge program gains momentum, we look forward to continued engagement with our German partners and to unlocking new possibilities at the frontier of quantum innovation.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the German hosts who welcomed the Dutch delegation and shared their expertise throughout the mission. These included QuantumBW, Munich Quantum Valley, Bosch Quantum Sensing, TESAT, the DLR Institute for Quantum Technologies, Planqc, Airbus, and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ). Their openness and collaboration were instrumental in making this mission a success.

We also warmly thank the Dutch delegation members for their valuable contributions. Representatives from Airbus, Demcon, Fermioniq, NAG Advancing your Aerospace and Airport Business, NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre, PiCard Systems, QAIMS lab, Qubitrium, Single Quantum, TNO, TOPIC Embedded Systems, and the University of Amsterdam played a key role in showcasing Dutch innovation and fostering international connections.

A special thanks goes to our colleagues from the Netherlands Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Munich for their support, as well as to Franklin Walvius, Claudine Clignett-Driesser, Joop Giljamse, and Noortje ten Wolde for their dedication and coordination throughout the mission.