Sweden has strong research in quantum technology, much thanks to private funding from Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation, but now needs national coordination and investments to maximize the benefits of this emerging area of technology. WACQT has been part of writing a Swedish quantum agenda which has been handed over to the Minister of Education.
A technological revolution – the second quantum revolution – is underway, with quantum computers, intercept-proof communication, and ultra-sensitive measurements. In countries all over the worlds, quantum technology is seen as a key technology for future security, computing power, and sensors.
“Quantum technology has the potential to affect many areas of society in the future and it is important that Sweden is ‘quantum ready’. Therefore, there is a strong need for coordination of all quantum activities,” says Per Delsing, director of WACQT.
WACQT, together with Vinnova, Swelife, Swedish Research Council, and Rise therefore has produced a report – En svensk kvantagenda (A Swedish quantum agenda) – which identifies a number of development areas to strengthen Sweden’s position in quantum technology. It includes the need for a Swedish national strategy, coordination of activities within the field, support for education, and ensured long-term financial support for quantum research.
The agenda was handed over to the Minister for Education, Mats Persson, during a roundtable discussion on quantum technology at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences on 22 March. Participants from WACQT were Per Delsing (director), Lena Gustafsson (chair of the board), and Anne L’Huillier (principal investigator). Chalmers’ president Stefan Bengtsson also attended.
Read more in a newsarticle by Vinnova (in Swedish) and in the report A Swedish Quantum Agenda (English version) or En svensk kvantagenda (Swedish version).
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- Full Professor, Quantum Technology, Microtechnology and Nanoscience