Servus, Erlangen’s new €15 million quantum communications centre lets companies test secure data links without building their own facilities. Elsewhere, Bavarian AI tools won the top two national open-source prizes, Munich S-Bahn disruptions affect the trunk line and airport this weekend, and a record-size grid battery is planned near Ansbach. Munich and Ingolstadt are also serving meals from cooking robots.

1. Erlangen opens a test centre for quantum-secure communications

Bavaria has opened QuKomIn, a quantum communications application centre in Erlangen, backed by about €15 million in state funding. Companies and research teams can test secure data-transfer technology using fibre-optic links, open-air connections and satellite links, without building their own expensive test facilities.

Why this matters: For residents around Erlangen and Nuremberg, the centre is a significant local investment in research and high-tech jobs, as well as in technology intended to protect sensitive communications.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

2. Bavarian AI projects take the top two national prizes

Two Bavarian projects won first and second place in the AI category of Germany’s 2026 Open Source competition. Bamberg’s BaKIM uses drone images and AI to assess city trees, while byte’s Code Inspector checks software for security and quality issues; both tools are available for other public authorities to use as open-source software.

Why this matters: If you live in Bavaria, these projects could eventually improve local services, from protecting urban trees to making government software safer.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

3. Munich S-Bahn services face weekend disruption

S-Bahn services in Munich will be heavily restricted this weekend, starting Friday evening. Work on maintenance, infrastructure upgrades and the second main tunnel will affect the central trunk line and connections to the airport.

Why this matters: If you rely on the S-Bahn to get around Munich or reach the airport, check your route and allow extra time before travelling this weekend.

Source: BR24

4. A record-size battery is coming to the Ansbach area

N-Ergie Netz is building a large battery storage facility near Ansbach, described as Germany’s biggest grid-supporting battery of its kind. The project is intended to help support the electricity grid, though the report does not specify what special operating rules will apply.

Why this matters: If you live near Ansbach, the project is a major local infrastructure development that could shape how the region balances electricity supply.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

5. Robotic cooks are serving meals in Munich and Ingolstadt

A cooking robot has been operating since September at an Allguth petrol station in southeast Munich, which the company says is the first publicly accessible cooking robot in the city. It prepares dishes including cheese spaetzle, Kaiserschmarrn and Tom Kha Gai, while Ingolstadt introduced a similar high-tech kitchen earlier.

Why this matters: If you live near either location, you can try a robot-prepared meal locally, and the story offers a glimpse of how food service may change in Bavaria.

Source: Donaukurier

Before you go: Check your S-Bahn route before travelling to Munich Airport this weekend, as work affects the trunk line and airport connections.