What Experts Predict for Quantum, Neuromorphic, Photonics & AI
Inside CDL’s Next Gen Computing Stream: What Experts Predict for Quantum, Neuromorphic, Photonics & AIThe future of computing is rapidly unfolding. In February, a distinguished panel of global experts convened in Heilbronn, Germany, for the third session of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Next Generation Computing stream to explore its trajectory. Hosted in collaboration between CDL-Berlin and CDL-Paris, and supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation (Dieter Schwarz Stiftung), the session focused on advancing quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and technological entrepreneurship.
Panel organized at Campus Founders and led by TUM Campus Heilbronn.
As part of the broader initiative, the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute spotlighted the growing Franco-German collaboration behind the program—an effort aimed at reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty. The session was powered by two key affiliate partners: TUM Campus Heilbronn and Campus Founders.
This first article takes a closer look at the event held the day before the official CDL session.
Following a curated tour of Heilbronn’s leading innovation hubs, participants gathered at the current Campus Founders space—just across from their soon-to-open Gravity campus—for a high-level panel discussion. The event brought together a vibrant mix of startups, mentors, researchers, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders to explore emerging technologies, including quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, photonic computing, and semiconductors.
A Meeting of Minds: Who's Who in Computing Innovation
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Ali Sunyaev, Vice President of TUM Campus Heilbronn and Chair of Information Infrastructures, the expert panel featured:
- Laura Schulz, Head of Quantum Computing and Technologies at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre
- Dr. Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Shareholder Council of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, and Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG
- Prof. Dr. Achim Kempf, Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Innovation at the University of Waterloo
- Dr. Sebastian Blatt, CTO & Co-Founder at planqc GmbH and CDL alumni
- Dr. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs
Their discussion revolved around the latest quantum computing advancements, AI-driven computing paradigms, and the ecosystem required to drive deep-tech innovations to market.
Quantum Computing: A Revolutionary Shift?
Prof. Dr. Achim Kempf (University of Waterloo) highlighted the limitations of classical computing, such as constraints imposed by the speed of light and miniaturization limits. He explained, "If we try to make it even smaller and faster, there is a problem because electrons in one wire can quantum jump to the nearby wire, introducing quantum noise." Quantum computing, he explained, introduces an entirely new computational paradigm by leveraging quantum mechanics to solve problems that classical computers cannot. However, he noted that while quantum computing is promising, real-world applications are still emerging.
Laura Schulz (Leibniz Supercomputing Centre), a leader in high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum integration, emphasized the growing need for hybrid computing environments that integrate quantum systems into scalable HPC architectures. She remarked:
"We have to fit quantum systems into an infrastructure where they can perform efficiently, away from physicists fine-tuning machines, making them functional in a broader HPC environment."
She stressed that quantum systems must be strategically co-designed with traditional HPC architectures to ensure optimal performance and industrial applicability.
Laura Schulz, Head of Quantum Computing and Technologies at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre, speaking during the panel that preceded the Next Generation Computing session of the Creative Destruction Lab.
Bridging the Gap: From Research to Commercialization
The event brought together two of 2025 Europe’s top-ranked startup hubs—recognized by the Financial Times and Sifted—under one roof. UnternehmerTUM, represented by Dr. Philipp Gerbert and TUM Venture Labs, and the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, which includes the CDL-Paris program among its key initiatives, secured the #1 and #4 spots respectively, underscoring their leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Dr. Philipp Gerbert (TUM Venture Labs) discussed the role of science incubators and deep-tech accelerators like CDL in fostering breakthrough innovations. He pointed out, "We are at a stage where deep tech is no longer an isolated research concept. With the right entrepreneurial support, quantum and AI research can become commercially viable solutions." By bridging the gap between academic research and industry, these programs help translate cutting-edge quantum and AI research into viable commercial products.
From a corporate perspective, Dr. Michael Bolle (Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung / SCHOTT) pointed out that while quantum computing dominates headlines, photonic computing could deliver nearer-term breakthroughs.
"Quantum computing is the Holy Grail, but it remains a high-risk, long-term endeavor. In the meantime, photonic computing sits between quantum effects and classical CMOS, offering promising advancements."
He explained that photonics, which operates at the intersection of classical and quantum computing, may significantly enhance computational efficiency and scalability before fully error-corrected quantum systems become widely available.
Startup Spotlight: Quantum Entrepreneurship in Action
Dr. Sebastian Blatt (planqc GmbH), co-founder of planqc GmbH, shared insights into the quantum startup journey. He reflected:
"As scientists, we often lack exposure to commercial thinking. Programs like CDL challenge us to refine our ideas and build business models that attract investors and industry partners."
As an alumnus of CDL’s Quantum Stream, he emphasized the importance of mentorship, access to investors, and refining business models to secure funding and partnerships. Blatt highlighted that startup ecosystems like those in France, Munich, Berlin, and Heilbronn are becoming global hubs for deep-tech entrepreneurship.
CDL mentors, experts, and scientists during the discussion.
The Future of Computing: Key Takeaways
The panel wrapped up with bold insights and forward-looking predictions, highlighting three major trends on the next generation of computing, underscoring:
The convergence of AI and quantum computing, where AI will enhance quantum error correction, and quantum computing will boost AI's processing capabilities.
The rise of heterogeneous computing, integrating classical, quantum, and neuromorphic architectures to solve complex challenges across industries.
- The urgent need for sustainable computing, ensuring computational advancements do not contribute to unsustainable energy consumption and environmental impact.
Interaction among members of the CDL ecosystem at the Campus Founders site. In the background, you can almost see the soon-to-be-completed Gravity building.
Heilbronn: A Rising Hub for Next-Gen Computing
This panel highlighted Heilbronn’s growing significance as a deep-tech and quantum computing hub, thanks to strategic partnerships between academia, industry, and venture capital ecosystems. With quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing rapidly evolving, the next decade is set to redefine global technological landscapes.
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation, Heilbronn is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of computing.
Tour with ventures and mentors at the TUM Campus Heilbronn space.
About this CDL Stream
The Creative Destruction Lab – Next Generation Computing stream is jointly operated by CDL-Berlin, part of the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP) at ESMT Berlin, and CDL-Paris, which is part of the Deep Tech Center at the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute. The program is supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and includes affiliate partners such as TUM Campus Heilbronn and Campus Founders.