Carina Lainer is part of Roland Berger’s Advanced Technology Center, where she leads the "Quantum Technologies, Photonics and Optics Cluster." Her career began in quantum optics research at the German Aerospace Center in the Institute for Active Optical Systems. She transitioned into strategy consulting and became part of the management team at Roland Berger. Carina is recognized globally as a thought leader and advisor in quantum sensors, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing. She also possesses extensive experience in microelectronic and physics technologies, i.e., cooling systems, instrumentation, or semiconductor manufacturing.

As a respected subject matter expert, Carina is frequently invited to contribute as a guest columnist, publisher, and interview partner for specialist media, conferences, industry, and government consortia. She has successfully advised clients across high-tech electronics, semiconductors, chemicals, finance, automotive, and aerospace & defense industries, working with corporate clients, governmental institutions, and investors worldwide.

Her functional expertise includes go-to-market strategy, business model development, technology-driven transformation (including AI), performance improvement programs, and due diligence processes. Carina holds degrees in Physics and Business from the University of Oxford, Hult International Business School, Sorbonne University, and Johannes Gutenberg-University. She combines a passion for emerging technologies with a pragmatic perspective on market developments and customer needs, consulting at the forefront of technology innovation to create tangible impact for her clients.