Globalization and digitalization have been the only constants through changing world orders and consumption climate. These changes require staying up-to-date and keeping up with unpredictable advancements in technology. Hamburg has been a pioneer in this regard and is seeking to stay relevant by exploring the possibilities of quantum technology in different sectors. Quantum technology functions on the principles of quantum mechanics–a multidisciplinary field involving physics, maths, and computer science. This technology optimizes and processes information at a quicker pace and more efficiently than regular computers. As a result, quantum computers facilitate faster decision-making. It is worth noting that India has also been gaining momentum in exploring quantum technology. In 2020 the Indian government launched the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA) with a budget of 1.2 billion USD for five years. In Hamburg, the development of quantum technology has made significant progress with the Federal Office for Information Security recommending post-quantum cryptography. An estimation of a global market volume of USD 280 million by 2024, has accelerated the city-state’s efforts in this regard.

Quantum computers hold huge potential for the aviation, shipping, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, by simplifying complex industrial processes in manufacturing and machinery. Especially in the supply chain sector, where quantum computers can be of enormous help by adapting to changing conditions and adjusting the results swiftly in maintenance, flight routes planning, gate assignment, and air cargo distribution. In the shipping sector, these applications can also be transferred to shipping e.g., route planning, ship loading and unloading to quay allocation, and warehouse planning. This technology is of special importance for Hamburg, as a city that is climate-conscious and channelizes its efforts towards achieving its sustainability targets. Quantum technology can be used for simulations for processing weather data and complex climate change calculations. It thus accelerates the achievement of the sustainability targets by developing new means of mitigating and alleviating emissions or removing existing carbon from the atmosphere.

Additionally, in November 2023, the City of Hamburg organised the conference “Quantum Readiness: Funding and Application Opportunities in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region”, in collaboration with Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB) and Hamburg Quantum Innovation Capital (HQIC). The conference highlighted Hamburg’s quantum computing ecosystem and has warranted further exploration of Quantum Technology in the future by Hamburg. Quantum technology now stares at a promising future of increased production, capacity building, investments and an area of fruitful collaboration between India and Hamburg.