In a joint initiative, six Swedish universities are now joining forces to establish the Swedish Centre for Quantum Technology, a national centre for research, innovation, education and capacity building in quantum technology. The initiative aims to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness in the field and to serve as a driving force for the development and application of the technology. Globally, quantum technology is at a decisive stage, with substantial investments in research and infrastructure.
"If Sweden is to assert itself in global development, we need to act together. Lund University can contribute a Nobel Prize-recognised quantum environment where we have built world class research. A national quantum centre gives us the opportunity to unite our respective strengths and create an environment in which Sweden can help shape the next technological revolution," says Erik Renström, Vice-Chancellor of Lund University.
Several Swedish universities already host strong basic research and internationally leading research environments, including Sweden's most comprehensive programme in quantum technology, the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT). Industry is engaged through collaborations, partnerships and testbeds, and funders such as the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation have provided crucial support.
However, national coordination is lacking, and new government investments, such as those outlined in the Research and Innovation Bill, risk leading to fragmentation if they are not coordinated.
In a joint declaration of intent, Chalmers University of Technology, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Lund University, Stockholm University, Linköping University and Uppsala University have therefore agreed to establish the national centre, the Swedish Centre for Quantum Technology. Through coordination and long-term capacity building, the centre will position Swedish quantum technology for the developments expected in the field over the coming decades.
"Sweden needs to act collectively to maintain and strengthen its international position. This initiative lays the foundation for Sweden to become 'quantum-ready' - and, in time, one of Europe's key hubs in quantum technology," says Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers, which will coordinate the national centre.
Together, the six universities will contribute to research, education, infrastructure and innovation across the entire value chain - from basic research to early applications in industry and society. Through clearer organisation and improved coordination of expertise, infrastructure and funding, the initiative aims to strengthen Sweden's position as an attractive partner in the Nordic region and across Europe.
"A national centre for quantum technology will give us quantum researchers better opportunities to collaborate and will increase the international impact of Swedish research in this field. At Lund, we are involved in several major Swedish initiatives in quantum technology, and we are now seeing the next wave of initiatives, with the government aiming to take a more active role and invest even more heavily. To fully harness the opportunities that are emerging, we need to join forces," concludes Peter Samuelsson, Professor of Mathematical Physics and one of Lund University's quantum researchers.
