Sweden launches collaborative platform for quantum research

Sweden recently launched the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform, a national platform to foster collaboration and commercialization in transformative quantum technology.

Quantum Sweden is funded by the innovation agency Vinnova and based at Chalmers Industriteknik. The collaborative platform aims to propel quantum research beyond the lab and into real-world applications to benefit society.

Although quantum technology is still in its early commercial stage, it holds immense potential for transforming industries, from healthcare and energy to finance and defence. Sweden boasts a strong foundation in this domain, with internationally acclaimed research spearheaded by the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WAQCT) in Gothenburg.

The inspiration for Quantum Sweden stems from AI Sweden, a thriving national centre for applied artificial intelligence. The platform will provide a collaborative space for quantum stakeholders to share knowledge, expertise and resources.

Ulf Öhlander, one of the initiators at Vinnova, emphasized the need for a national collaborative platform in quantum technology. He envisioned Quantum Sweden uniting key players, like researchers, industries, and startups.

“Quantum Sweden can also be a complement to and coordinate with WAQCT and work in relation to the Swedish quantum agenda that we launched in the spring of 2023. We also need a combined Swedish power in quantum in international contexts,” Öhlander added.

Quantum Sweden’s foundation

Chalmers Industriteknik houses and leads Quantum Sweden, joined by a coalition of partners. WACQT-IP, Rise, GU Ventures as well as innovation offices at KTH, Lund University, and Linköping University, will contribute their expertise. Meanwhile, industry giants like Ericsson, Scalinq, and ConScience will bring real-world experience and market understanding.

Serving as the project manager is Johan Felix, while Camilla Johansson is the group manager for innovation management. Both agree that Sweden must consolidate its quantum technology efforts, considering the international surge in quantum investments. Lagging competitively also means a possibility of not retaining talented researchers and startups in the country.

“It is both about the emergence of companies with completely new business ideas based on quantum technology, and about the development of existing industrial operations with the help of quantum technology,” Felix said.

Quantum Sweden has secured an initial grant of €267,603 to establish its foundation. The funds will ensure a robust first year, during which the platform will build crucial networks and activities to support innovation and commercialization.