One billion euros for Quantum Flagship
The European Commission has proposed making one billion euros available for a Quantum Flagship, a large-scale European research programme for quantum technology. Within the Quantum Flagship scientists from different disciplines will further develop quantum mechanics and new applications will be marketed. The proposal for a Quantum Flagship is part of the 'Technology Package', a broad package of measures to strengthen Europe's digital economy. The European Commission announced this package today.
Europe wants to maintain and further expand its leading position in the area of quantum technology. A Quantum Flagship will be established to achieve this and Henk Kamp (Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs) and European Commissioner Günther Oettinger (Digital Economy and Society) are working together with industry and research institutes on a European strategy for the development of quantum technology (the so-called 'Quantum Manifesto').
Minister Kamp: "Quantum technology is a groundbreaking technology that will radically change our economy and our society. The computational power and precision of quantum technology offers solutions to global issues concerning the climate, energy, healthcare and security. With this Quantum Flagship, Europe will take a leading position in this fourth Industrial Revolution. The Netherlands designated QuTech, our leading player in quantum technology, as a National Icon. I am pleased that the European Commission is making a similar move to promote quantum technology with this flagship proposal."
The Netherlands has been campaigning for some time for the establishment of a Quantum Flagship. In this regard minister Kamp and commissioner Oettinger visited QuTech at the end of 2015, the quantum Institute of Delft University of Technology and TNO that FOM is also a partner of. During its EU presidency the Netherlands is organising a European Top on quantum technology that will be held on 17 and 18 May in Amsterdam. At this event the Quantum Flagship will be officially launched and the Quantum Manifesto will be presented to minister Kamp and commissioner Oettinger. During the EU presidency, minister Kamp has been lobbying for the new flagship at the Competitiveness Council (COMPET). After its EU presidency, the Netherlands will continue to fulfil a coordinating role in the preparations for and implementation of the flagship.
Developments in quantum technology
Worldwide there is a scientific competition to realise further breakthroughs in quantum technology. QuTech has a leading role in this and it was therefore designated a National Icon by the Dutch government in 2014. QuTech made world headlines in 2015 with a scientific breakthrough that conclusively demonstrated the existence of quantum entanglement – the basis of quantum technology. The quantum computer makes use of the special properties of small particles, so-called quantum bits. These particles can provide an enormous computing power as result of which gigantic quantities of data can be rapidly and efficiently processed and analysed. This could, for example, be used to calculate the effect of medicines at the level of the individual patient. The encryption of information will also make a huge step forwards; when quantum computers exchange information with each other that information is almost impossible to intercept.
The Quantum Flagship will be the third flagship of its type: the previously awarded Flagships are The Human Brain project and the Graphene Flagship.