From a crate racetrack and a soap bubble station to artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies, various booths and hands-on activities were set up along Uferstraße on Museum Island last weekend for the Deutsches Museum Island Festival. The festival invited young and old alike to experience and immerse themselves in different areas of science and technology.
Munich Quantum Valley (MQV), together with the student laboratory PhotonLab and the student initiative PushQuantum, offered insights into quantum science and technology, as well as the Bavarian quantum ecosystem. At the MQV booth, visitors could learn about quantum computers in particular, from the fundamental quantum effects they make use of to the construction of their hardware, the development of algorithms and research into possible applications.
Exhibits such as a real chip with superconducting quantum bits and other components for superconducting and neutral-atom quantum computers attracted attention and invited visitors to learn more about the various hardware technologies with which quantum computers can be realized. Right next door, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS, member institute of MQV, provided a playful introduction to the world of quantum algorithms: Using an application developed by the Fraunhofer IKS, visitors were able to build small quantum circuits themselves, resulting in quantum mechanical superposition states – represented in the form of fantasy animals, for example a “superposition” of giraffe, elephant and butterfly.
MQV coasters printed with various quantum gates and other elements required to construct a quantum algorithm were available as a suitable souvenir. The “quantum circuit” coasters were particularly popular with visitors with a personal connection to the topic and were gladly taken home as a souvenir. Meanwhile, the younger guests were particularly pleased with the badge machine, which they could use to make their own badge.
The island festival took place alongside the Festival of the Future, which was jointly organized by 1E9 and the Deutsches Museum.