Jena, 27.02.2026. Transmitting sensitive health data with absolute security is one of the major challenges of modern medicine and IT. A research consortium has now achieved a decisive milestone in tap-proof data transmission to Jena.
- Event: Successful test run for quantum-secured transmission of patient data.
- Participating Institutions: Fraunhofer IOF Jena, Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ), Hochschule Nordhausen (Lead).
- Project: „Q-net-Q“ (Duration: over 3 years, funding volume: 11.8 million euros).
- Test route: Transmission of vital signs from a health kiosk in Sundhausen to Jena.
- Further information: Official report of the Fraunhofer IOF
Quantum encryption leaves the laboratory
Personal health information requires the highest level of protection against unauthorized access. As part of its final presentation, the research project “Q-net-Q” has now impressively demonstrated that so-called Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) also functions reliably under real everyday conditions. During the experiment, vital signs of patients from the health kiosk in Sundhausen were sent via quantum encryption to medical professionals in Jena and evaluated there.
The Jena-based Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) and the Universitätsklinikum Jena were significantly involved in the forward-looking project, while the Hochschule Nordhausen was responsible for project management. The successful test run proves that the highly complex technology of quantum communication has left the strictly controlled laboratory environments and is now usable for secure data exchange in everyday medical practice.
Millions in funding for tap-proof infrastructure
To prove the system’s practical suitability, the project has been funded with a total of 11.8 million euros over the past three years. The researchers’ infrastructure includes not only a regional test route of 150 kilometers. Rather, the system was also integrated into a quantum-secured connection over 680 kilometers long between Berlin, Erfurt, and Frankfurt am Main. These enormous distances illustrate that the construction of large-scale, tap-proof networks in Germany is technically feasible.
Background: Research location Jena
With successes like the “Q-net-Q” project, Jena is consolidating its international reputation as a center for optics and photonics. The Fraunhofer IOF, located on the Beutenberg-Campus, is considered a world leader in the research of optical quantum technologies. At the same time, the Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ) in the Lobeda district is a pioneer in the digitalization of modern medicine. The close networking of basic physical research on the Beutenberg and direct medical application in Lobeda creates ideal conditions for using innovative technologies such as quantum cryptography for the direct benefit of patients.
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Quantum test transmits patient data securely to Jena
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.