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Major industry-research project on quantum technology launched in Finland
Quantum technology provides the tools to solve the most important challenges faced by the humanity.
Siarhei / AdobeStockThe QuTI project pools the expertise and resources of four research and eight industry partners to pursue advances in quantum technology under the coordination of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
The three-year project covers all facets of the quantum technology value chain – from materials and hardware to software and system-level solutions – and leverages expertise in cryogenics, electronics, microsystems and photonics to develop algorithms, components, and manufacturing and testing solutions for quantum technology.
Little over half of the 10 million-euro budget is contributed by Business Finland.
Kari Leino, ecosystem lead at Business Finland, viewed that the project in many ways marks the starting point for the national quantum ecosystem, thereby enabling the country to seize the “great opportunities” arising from the emerging technology.
Also participating in the project in a research capacity are Aalto University, Tampere University and CSC – IT Center for Science. The industry partners, meanwhile, are Afore, Bluefors, IQM Quantum Computers, Picosun, Rockley Photonics, Quantastica, Saab and Vexlum.
“Quantum technology is a multidisciplinary and rapidly advancing field,” observedMika Prunnila, the professor coordinating the project at VTT. “The QuTI consortium provides an ideal starting point for strengthening the international competitiveness of Finnish technology and industry in this fast-growing field.”
Also other efforts linked to quantum technology are underway in Finland. VTT and Aalto University announced last week they have begun work to refine their high-speed bolometer to be suitable not only for quantum computers, but also for ultra-low temperature freezers and terahertz cameras.
The organisations unveiled what is the fastest radiation detector in the world in September 2020.
“We wanted to develop the world’s best radiation detector. It took seven years for us to get it to function and for three years we have been improving,” saidMikko Möttönen, professor of quantum technology at Aalto University. “We now intend to demonstrate – for the first time ever – information being read from qubits using a thermal radiation detector.”