Celebrating Quantum Technologies, AI, and the Future
Since its debut in 2022, the Festival of the Future in Munich has established itself as a meeting place for thought leaders and visionaries from the fields of research, startups, industry, politics, and culture, as well as interested members of the public. A diverse range of formats offers insights into the future of quantum technology, AI, robotics, life sciences, and mobility. Other key areas: digital culture, XR worlds, and music. The festival is organized by Wolfgang Kerler and his 1E9 Denkfabrik GmbH, in collaboration with the Deutsches Museum. In this interview, Kerler discusses plans for this summer, when the festival will take place from July 2–5, 2026, and will dedicate even more space to quantum technologies than before, in partnership with World of Quantum.
Mr. Kerler, could you briefly introduce us to the “Festival der Zukunft”?
Certainly! Our festival has been held every summer on Munich’s Museum Island since 2022. It is organized by the 1E9 Think Tank and the Deutsches Museum and has since established itself as a central meeting place for innovators and creative minds. We operate at the intersection of technology, science, business, and art, bringing together thought leaders and visionaries from research, startups, industry, politics, and culture with the general public. The goal is to discuss and contextualize the latest technological developments and their implications. In terms of content, the "Festival der Zukunft" spans a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence, robotics, and life sciences to quantum technologies, mobility, digital culture, XR, and music.
How does it span this range?
There are high-profile keynotes, workshops, and discussions. But we’re also focused on the experience: Tech demonstrators, prototypes, and artworks bring future technologies to life in an interactive exhibition. And importantly: The festival has a clear focus on solutions and optimism. It is a platform for key future topics—and for a community that actively works on these topics, is interested in them, and wants to learn firsthand—so they can help shape the future.
Who are the key players involved?
1E9 Denkfabrik GmbH is a media startup based in Munich that was founded in 2019 by former members of the WIRED Germany team and the Daho.am conference. Through journalism, curated events, and our strong community, we are committed to fostering an open, informed discourse on future technologies. We reach more than 20,000 people annually through events and around 200,000 per month through digital content. Since 2022, 1E9 has been organizing the Festival of the Future in collaboration with the Deutsches Museum in its Forum of the Future. We are supported in this by a strong network spanning the entire innovation scene—from industrial companies and venture capital funds to cultural institutions and public agencies. Messe München with the World of Quantum is part of this, as are the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, the Fraunhofer Society, the VC funds Word Fund and Vsquared Ventures, as well as the Munich Film Festival, the City of Munich, and many others. This diversity is reflected in the thematic depth and breadth of our festival and its widespread acceptance.
Who is the target audience?
Over two days, the festival features conferences aimed at professionals from the tech and creative sectors. It brings together industrial companies, startups, venture capital funds, consulting firms, research institutions, and cultural professionals. This year, high-profile speakers from the academic world have been announced, including economist Ann-Kristin Achleitner and AI expert Björn Ommer. Startup founders such as Jan Goetz of IQM Quantum Computers and Francesco Sciortino of Proxima Fusion, as well as journalists like Wolf Lotter and Ijoma Mangold, will provide insights into the latest technological developments and discuss their implications. There will also be workshops and networking events to demonstrate how new technologies can be utilized. While the conference takes place on Thursday and Friday, the weekend features a stage program open to the general public with free admission. Highlights include a lecture by Harald Lesch. This part of our festival is particularly aimed at children and young people. There will be a colorful street festival with walk-in workshops and activities for children along the waterfront road surrounding the Forum of the Future. We are also organizing an interactive exhibition featuring XR experiences, tech demonstrators, and works of art, which will be accessible on all festival days and bring technology to life.
You mentioned World of Quantum. What role do quantum technologies play at the Festival of the Future?
Quantum technologies have been part of the festival since its launch in 2022—and will be given even greater prominence in 2026 with their own dedicated program focus. We are working closely with World of Quantum and the team at Messe München on this. On the main stage, experts—including planqc founder Alex Glätzle, IQM founder Jan Goetz, and economist and investor Ann-Kristin Achleitner—will share the latest progress quantum technologies have made on the path to industrial application. The focus is also on how Europe can become a world leader in this technology field and build a globally leading industry. To this end, we are actively promoting networking between quantum companies and participants from other industries through workshops and networking events. In addition, concrete use cases will demonstrate how companies can become “quantum ready” today.
How does the festival make highly complex technology accessible to the general public?
Through the full range of possibilities: Keynotes highlight the latest technological developments. Panel discussions explore their implications. In workshops, we share practical knowledge. Networking events help build connections with experts in various technology fields. Our interactive exhibition brings technology to life for everyone. And throughout it all, artworks, live performances, dome art, and music create a genuine festival atmosphere—and hopefully plenty of inspiration! If you’d like to get a preview, feel free to watch our promotional video: