UpQuantVal: Innovating Quantum Valley in the Upper Rhine

Welcome to IPCMS’s involvement in the UpQuantVal project, officially launched on March 3, 2025, at the European Quantum Science Center during Quantum Week. Our institute is proud to be part of this ambitious cross-border initiative uniting academic, research, and private sector actors in the Upper Rhine region.

About the Project

UpQuantVal (Upper Quantum Valley) is a groundbreaking cross-border project aimed at establishing a cutting-edge quantum ecosystem in the Upper Rhine region. This trinational collaboration brings together 19 partners (Research Institute, Universities and Startups) from three countries – Germany, France, and Switzerland, creating a powerful alliance to drive innovation in quantum sciences and technologies.

Our Role at IPCMS

As a key partner in the UpQuantVal consortium, IPCMS brings unique capabilities to the project:

  • Expertise in quantum sciences and materials, spanning from materials and surface science to magnetism and optics
  • State-of-the-art STnano nanofabrication facility for device creation down to several tens of nanometers
  • Strong focus on quantum phases of matter, atomic-scale quantum physics, and quantum devices

Project Objectives

  • Create an integrated ecosystem spanning education, research, specialized infrastructure, technological expertise, and knowledge transfer across borders
  • Overcome barriers to cross-border cooperation due to heterogeneous local directives and administrative frameworks
  • Establish more effective and sustainable cooperation between research, innovation, private sector actors, and regional authorities in the trinational Upper Rhine region

STnano Facility

Our STnano facility plays a crucial role in UpQuantVal:

  • ISO 9001 certified and member of the National Network of Nanotechnology facilities Renatech+
  • 250 m² ISO class 5 cleanroom area with ISO class 4 workspaces
  • Dedicated electron beam lithography lab (eFab) and 2D materials cleanroom (2DLab)
  • Training for over 30 users annually in nanofabrication processes

Cross-Border Collaboration

  • 19 partners (Research Institutes, Universities and Startups) from Germany, France, and Switzerland
  • Funded through the INTERREG program, promoting cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation

Project Timeline

  • Start Date: January 1, 2025
  • End Date: December 31, 2027

Funding

  • Total Budget: 5.1 M€
  • FEDER Funding: 2.3 M€

Key Research Areas

  1. Quantum phases of matter
  2. Atomic-scale quantum physics and sensing
  3. Spectroscopy and dynamics of quantum systems
  4. Quantum devices and engines

Expected Impact

  • Strengthening the Upper Rhine’s position as a competitive innovation region in Europe
  • Creating an active, cross-border innovation network in quantum technologies
  • Growing skills and workforce in quantum technologies across the three countries
  • Generating new jobs in the quantum field within the Upper Rhine region

Contact Information

For more information about IPCMS’s involvement in the UpQuantVal project, please contact:

STnano Director of Operations: Hicham.Majjad@ipcms.unistra.fr

Join the Quantum Revolution IPCMS is proud to contribute to the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 through this innovative cross-border collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of quantum technologies in the heart of Europe!