Event

Beyond Silicon 2026: The Future of Computing

28. April 2026

09:00 - 18:00

Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen - IIS
Nordostpark 84
90411 Nürnberg
Deutschland
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Beyond Silicon 2026 highlights new computing paradigms beyond silicon - from quantum and neuromorphic computing to photonic and biological approaches.

As traditional, silicon-based data processing is increasingly reaching its physical and economic limits, new computing paradigms are emerging that could fundamentally change computing in the coming decades. Beyond Silicon 2026 offers a future-oriented, interdisciplinary perspective on

  • quantum computing,
  • Neuromorphic computing,
  • photonic computing and
  • Biological computing approaches


In specialist presentations and interactive panel discussions, experts will shed light on where these technologies are heading, what breakthroughs are still needed and how organizations can prepare for the future computing landscape today. The aim of the conference is to stimulate innovation, promote strategic foresight and establish a new forum for shaping computing beyond silicon.

The event will be held in English.

Further details and the speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Please note that the agenda is subject to change.
The event will be held in English.

08:00 - 09:00 a.m.

Registration & networking breakfast

09:00 - 09:30 a.m.

Welcome & opening statements by:

Bayern Innovativ GmbH

Fraunhofer IIS

Close-up Picture of Giovanni Del Galdo Giovanni Del Galdo,
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Del Galdo
Professor, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

Video message from the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Tobias Gotthardt, Staatssekretär Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Landesentwicklung und Energie,
Tobias Gotthardt
State secretary, Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

09:20 - 09:40 a.m.

Beyond Silicon - An Overview of Computing Methods of the Future

09:40 - 10.45 a.m.

Quantum Computing: Exploiting Superposition and Entanglement

Quantum computing for industrial needs

Dr. Markus Bendele
IQM Quantum Computers

Quantum computing for industrial needs - qrip is the key

Portrait Sebastian Bock Bildrechte: Marc Frommer (Fraunhofer FOKUS),
Sebastian Bock
Fraunhofer-Institut für Offene Kommunikationssysteme FOKUS

The optical Quantum Computing - beyond superconducting

Dr. Jean Senellart
Chief Product Manager, Quandela

From Problem to Partnership: Industry Challenge Session - Quantum Computing

10:45 - 11:25 a.m.

Coffee break & networking

11:15 - 12:40

Photonic Computing: Computing with Light

Quantum and beyond - Dual use of photonic competences

Prof. Dr. Andreas Stute
Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm

The optical Art of calculating - beyond AI

Dr. Michael Kissner
Akhetonics GmbH

Optical Networks - Safety for Companies and critical infrastructure

From Problem to Partnership: Industry Challenge Session - Optical and Photonic Computing

12:40 - 14:00

Lunch break & networking

14:00 - 15:25

Neuromorphic Computing: Brain-Inspired Architectures

Introduction to Neuromorphic Computing

Prof. Dr. Cristian Axenie
Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm
Michael Rothe
Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen IIS

Neuromorphic computing - potential for product and process innovation

Dr. Natalie Rotermund
Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC) e.V.

Industrial applications of neuromorphic computing

Memristors for neuromorphic computing

Prof. Dr. Heidemarie Krüger
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Physikalisch-Astronomische Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für Festkörperphysik mit Schwerpunkt Quantendetektion

From Problem to Partnership: Industry Challenge Session - Neuromorphic Computing

15:25 - 16:00

Coffee break & networking

16:00 - 16:30

Start-Up Spotlight

Pitches from innovative young companies

16:30 - 17:00

Reimagining computation: Biology as Hardware

Computing with Life: An Introduction to Biological Computing

Prof. Dr. Friedrich C. Simmel
Technische Universität München

16:50 - 17:00

Summary & conclusion

from 17:00

Networking get-together

Category Price(gross)*
Price(net)
Economy / Research organization 249,90 €*
210,00 €
University / public authority €124.95*
€105.00
Start-ups 113,00 €*
95,00 €
Students

Certificate of enrollment required

23,80 €*
20,00 €
Press

Accreditation required

free of charge

The exhibition at Beyond Silicon offers you a platform to present your technology, get to know potential partners and enter into an in-depth professional exchange. Position your company in the context of new computing paradigms and play an active role in shaping developments in the post-silicon age.

An exhibition stand includes:

  • Two event tickets
  • One table and two chairs
  • Power connection
  • Your company logo on the event website

Book your exhibition stand here

Category Price(gross)*
Price(net)
Economy / Research organization 699,72 €*
588,00 €
University / public authority 297,50 €*
250,00 €
Start-ups 249,90 €*
210,00 €

Are you facing a specific technological or strategic challenge?
At Beyond Silicon 2026, we invite companies, organizations and research institutions to present real-world problems in our "From Problem to Partnership: Industry Challenge Sessions".

In short pitches of 1-2 minutes (maximum two per topic block), you can present a specific challenge for which you are looking for ideas, expertise or cooperation partners and enter into a direct exchange with an expert audience from research and industry. The aim is to generate new ideas, solutions and potential partnerships.
Submit your challenge via our online form by April 13, 2026. All submissions will be reviewed; participation will be confirmed based on relevance and available capacity.

PITCH YOUR CHALLENGE

Fraunhofer IIS
Nordostpark 84
90411 Nuremberg
Germany

There is only limited parking available in the vicinity of the location. We recommend traveling by public transport.
The nearest bus stop is "Nordostpark-Ost". From Nuremberg Central Station, take the subway line U2 in the direction of the airport to the Herrnhütte stop. From there, take bus number 30 or 31 in the direction of Nordostpark and get off at Nordostpark-Ost.

You can find timetables and tickets for Nuremberg public transport here: Start | VGN

Information on traveling by car, train or plane can be found on the Fraunhofer IIS website: Directions Nuremberg - Nordostpark

 

Professional contact

Kimberley Parsons
+49 911 20671-219
Innovation network Digitization, Project Manager, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nuremberg

Organizational contact

Porträt von Chalin Broux Bayern Innovativ GmbH,
Chalin Broux
+49 911 20671-323
Event, Project manager, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nürnberg
Annika Fischer
+49 911 20671-187
Event, Project manager, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nürnberg

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