➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) has initiated the research project QualiBolS to develop a contactless acoustic monitoring system based on AI for ensuring the quality of bolted焊接 connections in construction projects. ➁ The project aims to replace traditional, resource-intensive quality control methods with real-time monitoring. ➂ The system uses AI algorithms to analyze welding sounds in real-time, classifying them as 'in order' or 'not in order' and identifying irregularities. This method promises significant time and cost savings, as well as increased safety in construction.

➀ The Cyberagentur has signed contracts with three international tech companies for the development of mobile quantum computers; ➁ The project, with an investment of over 35 million euros, aims to enable mobile use in security, defense, and civilian applications; ➂ The research will focus on miniaturizing quantum computers while maintaining high performance for mobile use in security and defense scenarios.

➀ The Cyberagentur has signed contracts with three international technology companies for the development of mobile quantum computers. The project marks a milestone in quantum research and paves the way for new applications of quantum computers. The goal is to enable mobile use in security and defense scenarios as well as in civil applications. ➁ The research project aims to advance the miniaturization of quantum computers while maintaining high performance and necessary peripherals. The construction and functional demonstration of a reproducible and programmable mobile quantum computer are recorded as project results. ➂ The project is expected to bring Germany to the forefront of mobile quantum computing technology, securing its leading position in quantum technology research and strengthening the country's digital sovereignty.

➀ The Cybersecurity Innovation Agency (Cyberagentur) invites media to the press event for the groundbreaking project 'Mobile Quantum Computer – Quantum processors for mobile use in defense and security applications'. ➁ The Cyberagentur is starting a research project with an investment volume of over 35 million euros, in collaboration with three national and international consortia of significant quantum technology companies, to bring Germany to the forefront of mobile quantum research. ➂ The event includes a keynote speech, project presentation, and the introduction of three project partners and their approaches to developing mobile quantum computers.

➀ Saxony, Germany, a leading European semiconductor hub, is deepening its ties with Taiwan, as TSMC expands its European footprint. ➁ The strategic partnership aims to position Saxony as a global semiconductor powerhouse, centered in Dresden's 'Silicon Saxony'. ➃ The collaboration extends to electric vehicles (EVs) and robotics.

➀ Germany is investing heavily in its chipmaking industry with a new €10 billion factory in Silicon Saxony, expected to employ 2,000 people by 2027. ➁ The region of Silicon Saxony, home to 3,600 companies in microelectronics, is poised to become the most important industry in Saxony by 2030. ➂ Challenges include attracting skilled workers and addressing infrastructure needs, as well as competing with larger investments in the US.

➀ ESMC, a joint venture between TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, and NXP, has started construction on its first fab in Dresden, with the EU approving a €5 billion subsidy from the German government for the €10 billion project. ➁ The facility, when operational, will produce 40,000 300mm wafers monthly using TSMC's 28/22nm planar CMOS and 16/12nm FinFET technologies, creating around 2,000 direct jobs and stimulating numerous indirect jobs. ➂ The project aims to be environmentally friendly, including energy-efficient construction and water reclamation, with plans to obtain LEED certification.

➀ The European Union has approved a 5 billion euro aid package from Germany for the establishment of a semiconductor manufacturing plant by ESMc in Dresden. ➁ This move is part of a broader strategy to boost Europe's semiconductor industry and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. ➂ The plant is expected to start operations in 2024, significantly enhancing Europe's capacity in semiconductor production.

➀ TSMC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its German plant, marking its first manufacturing expansion into Europe. ➁ The German government has committed to subsidizing half of the construction costs, approximately 5 billion euros. ➂ The plant is expected to start production by the end of 2027, targeting a monthly output of 40,000 12-inch wafers. ➃ The primary focus of the plant will be on mature processes of 28 and 22 nanometers, mainly for automotive chips. ➄ Challenges include finding sufficient local talent and navigating Germany's strong union traditions.

➀ Uncertainty about Intel's commitment to build advanced chip fabs in Magdeburg, Germany, has increased. ➁ The local government is preparing contingency plans in case Intel withdraws, but without Intel, the entire commercial/industrial zone could collapse. ➂ The local government has already invested millions in the project, and the withdrawal of Intel could leave them with a substantial financial burden.

❶ Germany has summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest a cyberattack by state-controlled Chinese cyber actors on the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) in 2021. ❷ The BKG, responsible for mapping and geodata in Germany, is crucial for state security and critical infrastructure providers. ❸ The German government has passed a draft law requiring large organizations in crucial industries to implement the European NIS 2 Directive, highlighting the vulnerability of the system.

1. Researchers from Germany, Italy, and the UK have developed new materials for on-chip energy harvesting compatible with CMOS chip production. 2. These materials, based on GeSn alloys, can convert low-grade heat below 80°C into electrical energy. 3. The goal is to integrate photonics, electronics, and thermoelectrics on a single silicon-based chip for enhanced performance and sustainability.