The University of Saarland is one of 20 universities in Germany that will specifically attract international top talents in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies in the future and bind them to the German scientific location in the long term. In the nationwide competition of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the university prevailed with its project "Saarland Future Minds Programme in Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (FMP Quantum AI)" against more than 70 applications. The DAAD supports the project with around 709,000 euros until the end of 2029.
[advertisement placement="medium_rectangle" align="left"]With the recently launched Center for Quantum Technologies, the state and university have emphasized their goal of establishing this central future technology in the research landscape, but also beyond, for example in spin-offs of companies, in Saarland. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is now supporting this initiative with comprehensive funding to recruit and retain students and doctoral candidates who are specifically targeted.
The "Saarland Future Minds Programme in Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence" (FMP Quantum AI) underscores the relevance of Saarland University as a nationally prominent location for attracting excellent young talents in future technologies. "At the same time, the success in the funding line 'Academic Horizons' is evidence of the successful international orientation of Saarland University in key technologies," emphasizes University President Professor Ludger Santen.
Under the project leadership of Professor Moritz Weber, the scientific director of the Center for Quantum Technologies, structures are to be established with the DAAD funding that enable three things: First, the best international master's students and doctoral candidates in the fields of quantum technologies and artificial intelligence are to be identified. Important tools in this are international partnerships and the establishment of international summer schools with research stays at the university. Second, these talents are to be supported comprehensively from the first contact to the start of their studies in order to systematically promote their academic and social integration. And third, the outstanding young scientists are to be supported in their career development and permanently tied to the research location Germany.
[advertisement placement="medium_rectangle" align="right"]Jakob von Weizsäcker, Minister of Finance and Science of Saarland, says: "The progress of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies is made by extremely talented and dedicated people. Inspiring these talents for Saarland is a central location factor for us. The fact that Saarland University is among the federally selected universities is an honor for our science location and underscores its international appeal."
The Future Minds Programme Quantum AI thus makes a direct contribution to the DAAD's "Academic Horizons" program. Its goal is to find and integrate excellent international talents, promote their scientific careers, and sustainably strengthen the German innovation landscape in key future technologies, here quantum technologies and AI. The DAAD has been funding the Quantum AI project since May 1, 2026, until the end of 2029 with a total of 709,000 euros.
More information about the DAAD program Academic Horizons:
DAAD Program Academic Horizons
