Confirmed speakers

Sebastian Knauer

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

Dr Sebastian Knauer leads quantum sensing activities at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, where he develops quantum sensing technologies for real-world applications. He studied physics at the Humboldt University of Berlin (BSc/MSc) and received his PhD from the University of Bristol. He was then a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) at the University of New South Wales. He later moved to the University of Vienna, where he completed his habilitation in Experimental Quantum Physics. His research spans quantum sensing, quantum optics, quantum electronics and hybrid quantum systems.

Kai Bongs

Institute for Quantum Technologies, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Kai Bongs is the director of the Institute for Quantum Technologies of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He has over 30 years of experience in quantum sensing, during which he has followed and shaped the transition from basic physics to industrial application, in collaborations with over 100 companies. His current focus is on the development of quantum sensors for application in space with a translation into the wider economy.

Désirée Ehlers

Quantum Ecosystem Manager · Federal Ministry of Defence

Désirée Ehlers graduated from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, with a degree in landscape planning and landscape management. She contributed her expertise to various projects in this field but extended her expertise to digital technologies and spatial planning and later on emerging technologies like quantum and AI. Since 2020, Désirée Ehlers has been the ecosystem manager for quantum technologies in the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology and the Federal Ministry of Defence plus an expert for dual-use and Quantum.

Franz Roeder

R&D Scientist · TOPTICA EAGLEYARD

Dr rer. nat. Franz Roeder is an R&D Scientist at TOPTICA EAGLEYARD. He previously worked at Paderborn University in the Integrated Quantum Optics group and the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS). His research has included integrated quantum optics, broadband and non-degenerate photon-pair sources, SU(1,1) interferometry, and optical coherence tomography with undetected photons.

Clara Osorio Tamayo

TNO · Quantum Delta NL (QDNL)

Clara Osorio Tamayo holds two positions in the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. At TNO, she leads a team focused on testing and developing quantum sensing solutions for industrial partners. Within Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), she runs the Dutch national programme for quantum sensing, with a focus on strategy, ecosystem building and valorisation.