135 million euros for development of quantum computers
Together with knowledge institutions, the Dutch government will invest 135 million euros over the next ten years in the development of supercomputers with exponential computer power, the so-called quantum computers. With this investment the Dutch government wants to further strengthen the leading position of the Dutch institute for quantum technology, QuTech. That will allow Dutch companies and scientists to rapidly benefit from the opportunities that this technology offers. Minister Henk Kamp (Economic Affairs) and Minister Jet Bussemaker (Education, Culture and Science) signed an agreement for this today with representatives from Delft University of Technology, TNO, NWO and the Top Sector HTSM. On behalf of NWO, FOM and STW, NWO chair Jos Engelen was present to sign this agreement.
Under leadership of FOM programme leader Leo Kouwenhoven QuTech has to become the bridging factor between scientific development of the quantum computer and hightech industry. FOM has funded the fundamental research at the basis of the establishment of QuTech for several years; forming a FOM focus group from 2004 to 2013 and funding an industrial partnership programme (IPP) together with Microsoft since 2011. In June 2014 FOM and NWO together awarded QuTech 7.5 million euros for a period of five years.
Minister Henk Kamp (Economic Affairs): "The next generation super computers offers opportunities for Dutch companies to develop new products and services. To stimulate their growth here instead of somewhere else requires long-term investments. In this way our economy can profit from the advantages of quantum technology, such as better data security and more computer power."
Minister Jet Bussemaker (Education, Culture and Science): "It is important that quantum mechanics can remain and even flourish in the Netherlands because of this commitment and the long-term investments. Real gifted scientists stay in the Netherlands and attract other talents to expand and help develop this fascinating topic."
Thanks to the financial backing from the government it will be possible for QuTech to attract extra private investors to invest in laboratories and in the appointment of talented scientists. At present 100 scientists are working at QuTech in Delft under the leadership of scientist Leo Kouwenhoven. Over the next five years that number will double to more than 200 scientists. They will work on the further evolution of the technology and on practice-oriented applications such as improved data security. The information these computers exchange with each other is virtually impossible to intercept. The technology also provides exponentially more computer power as a result of which it will be possible to develop new medicines faster, for example. Research has revealed that the global market for applications based on quantum technology will grow to two billion euros per year in 2020.
Scientific race
Worldwide a scientific race is taking place to achieve further breakthroughs in quantum technology. More than 7,000 scientists are working on the development. Large technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and Thales are investing tens of millions of euros in quantum technology. As one of the leading institutes QuTech has, for example, received financial support from Microsoft for fundamental research since 2010.
QuTech has been named as one of the four National Icons by the Dutch government. These are innovations that will ensure future welfare and contribute to the solution of global issues. The National Icons receive tailored support. On behalf of the government, ministers Kamp and Bussemaker are ambassadors for QuTech and support the institute in acquiring contacts within the Netherlands and abroad.