Elmos Wins German Innovation Award 2026 for Groundbreaking Quantum Security Technology

Elmos Semiconductor SE has been honored with the German Innovation Award 2026 in the category “Medium-Sized Companies” for its pioneering Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). The award recognizes the world’s smallest QRNG, an innovative semiconductor solution designed to meet the growing cybersecurity challenges posed by artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Presented annually by Accenture, O₂ Telefónica, and WirtschaftsWoche under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the German Innovation Award is among the country’s most prestigious recognitions for visionary technologies. The award was presented by Santiago Argelich Hesse, CEO of Telefónica Deutschland, during the official ceremony.

Setting New Standards in Cybersecurity

As digital systems face increasingly sophisticated threats, secure encryption has become more critical than ever. Unlike conventional systems that rely on pseudorandom numbers—which may become vulnerable as computing power advances—Elmos’ QRNG generates true random numbers based on quantum physical processes.

The technology works by generating and detecting individual photons directly within the chip, creating completely unpredictable random numbers of the highest quality. This approach provides a future-proof foundation for cryptographic security, particularly in an era where quantum computing is expected to challenge traditional encryption methods.

In addition, the QRNG is inherently robust against environmental influences such as temperature variations, voltage fluctuations, light exposure, pressure, and electromagnetic interference. This ensures consistently reliable performance in security-critical applications.

Compact Innovation for a Secure Digital Future

The award-winning quantum random number generator is fully integrated on a single chip and manufactured using standard CMOS technology. This makes the solution highly energy- and cost-efficient while enabling seamless integration into applications across the automotive, communications, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors.

Measuring only 2 mm by 2 mm, the QRNG is currently the smallest solution of its kind worldwide. Its compact design and scalability position it as a key technology for building secure digital infrastructures in the years ahead.

According to Dr. Jan Dienstuhl, Chief Sales Officer at Elmos Semiconductor SE, the award highlights the company’s commitment to strengthening digital security through innovative semiconductor solutions. The QRNG provides a trusted foundation for secure encryption both today and in the emerging quantum era.

By winning the German Innovation Award, Elmos further demonstrates its innovative strength and reinforces its position as a leading provider of mixed-signal semiconductors. The company also plans to make the technology available to other semiconductor manufacturers through future licensing opportunities, helping to enhance the protection of digital infrastructures and critical systems worldwide.