Innovation Award for World’s Smallest Quantum Random Number Generator
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Ms. Kölbel, what can the QRNG – the acronym stands for Quantum Random Number Generator – do for cybersecurity and how did it evolve?
The QRNG generates true random numbers on the basis of quantum physical processes. This ensures secure encryption in the age of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Individual photons are generated and detected within the chip in something called the “entropy source”. Typically, such sources require external components such as LEDs, for example. What’s special about our entropy source – which I co-invented – is that it is based entirely on silicon. This means it can be produced in a standard semiconductor manufacturing process and integrated directly onto the chip, which makes the whole system small, comparatively inexpensive and reliable as far as production is concerned. The development of the entropy source is at the same time a central part of my doctoral project, which I am completing under the supervision of Professor Stefan Tappertzhofen at the Chair for Micro- and Nanoelectronics in cooperation with Elmos.
Why did you decide in favor of an industrial doctorate at Elmos in cooperation with TU Dortmund University? What can you tell us about your experience so far?
After completing my studies, I started working at Elmos as a development engineer, and with the company’s support I then began my industrial doctorate. The partnership with TU Dortmund University was an obvious step for me, as close and established collaboration between Elmos and the university already existed before I started my doctoral degree, and the Chair for Micro- and Nanoelectronics is a perfect match as far as my research topic is concerned. Physical proximity is an additional advantage – Elmos and TU Dortmund University are practically next-door neighbors in the technology park.
For me, the special appeal of an industrial doctorate lies in the close dovetailing of science and business. On the one hand, I can press ahead with my academic research and further develop personally through conferences and by engaging with the professional community. On the other hand, my results channel directly into a tangible product that is put to further use within the company. I find this combination very enriching and motivating.
Both Elmos and TU Dortmund University are members of “EIN Quantum NRW”. To what extent are you personally involved in this competence network of academic and industrial stakeholders? And what, in your opinion, does this collaboration mean for North Rhine-Westphalia?
EIN Quantum NRW provides an excellent framework for bringing together researchers and industry in the field of quantum technologies. What I particularly value is formats such as the “EIN Quantum Coffee” webinars, where I have already had the opportunity to report on our QRNG and my experiences from my industrial doctorate. Conferences such as the NRW Nano Conference are also an ideal platform for me to gain fresh inspiration and establish contacts beyond my own discipline. Quantum technologies are meanwhile a regular part of the conference program.
The quality and continuity of such networks is a clear reflection of the support afforded to them by both the Ministry of Culture and Science and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy. In my view, this form of collaboration substantially enhances North Rhine-Westphalia as a place for innovation. Furthermore, the “Important Project of Common European Interest in Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI ME/CT)” is also funding the development of Elmos’ QRNG. I would therefore like to thank the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as well as the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg on behalf of Elmos.
About the German Innovation Award
The German Innovation Award has been presented since 2010 to companies whose capacity for innovation contributes to Germany and Europe’s independence in a competitive global market. The prestigious award is conferred by the WirtschaftsWoche business magazine together with Accenture, the BMW Foundation and Telefónica Deutschland in the following categories: “Corporations”, “Medium-Sized Enterprises” and “Start-ups”.