Quantum revolution: ‘The Netherlands has a strong position’

Quantum computers, quantum internet: one breakthrough follows another. The technology, based on the smallest particles in the universe, is no longer a distant dream. With the European Quantum Act, Europe wants to take a leading role. In doing so, Europe can count on the Netherlands as a frontrunner, which was the first in the world to build a scalable quantum network, among other things. The fact that quantum is one of the Netherlands' priorities is evident from the fact that it has been designated as one of the ten key technologies in the National Technology Strategy. Mayra van Houts, program council member for the Quantum Technologies innovation domain at Holland High Tech: “We absolutely excel in quantum internet and hardware components for quantum computing.” Still, she believes there is work to be done.

Quantum is an abstract concept for many, but this key technology is likely to deliver tangible benefits. Thanks to the enormous potential computing power of quantum computers, climate models can make much more accurate and faster calculations. And in the future, that same power will enable the medical world to tailor medicines precisely to a patient's DNA. In the field of quantum internet, too, one milestone follows another. This represents a groundbreaking advance in digital communication and cybersecurity. By linking up with satellite communication (satcom), this technology could enable secure connections worldwide in the future, for example, between embassies and consulates thousands of kilometers apart.

Researchers therefore expect that the three pillars of quantum technology – quantum computers, quantum communication, and quantum sensing – will together generate around $97 billion (approximately €83 billion) in revenue worldwide by 2035. This will make quantum a larger market than 3D printing.

A similar trend can be seen in the Netherlands, according to Van Houts. In addition to being a program council member at Holland High Tech, she is also head of strategy at the National Growth Fund Program Quantum Delta NL. She refers to an internal study: “We expect quantum technology to create between 8,000 and 18,000 jobs in the Netherlands by 2040.” The economic impact is just as impressive: the Quantum Delta program could generate between €1.5 and 2.5 billion for the Netherlands. “And that's just one program – the potential of the Dutch quantum industry is many times greater.”

Europe as a leader in quantum

Quantum seems to be gaining momentum. Europe wants to be prepared for this. On July 2, the European Commission launched the Quantum Europe Strategy. Next year, the strategy will be converted into a Quantum Act. Van Houts: “We expect several major initiatives from Europe that will further strengthen cooperation between member states.” According to her, this cooperation is crucial. “No single country can do this alone; we need each other to advance the technology. A quantum network does not stop at national borders. Thanks to knowledge exchange, one country can supply component X and another component Y, after which we can test both in various configurations.”

Quantum from Dutch soil

The Netherlands has a clear substantive focus on quantum technology. The technology is laid down in the National Technology Strategy. This identifies ten key technologies that knowledge institutions, companies, and the government are jointly prioritizing.

With its strong knowledge and technology, the Netherlands can make an important contribution in Europe. The Netherlands is internationally renowned for various milestones. For example, in 2021, the Delft-based startup QuantWare launched the first commercially available superconducting quantum processor, making hardware accessible outside of specialized labs.

Breakthroughs are also taking place here in the field of quantum internet, which the world will not soon forget. Van Houts remembers the moment when researchers at QuTech used ordinary fiber optics to establish a connection between two quantum processors ten kilometers apart, between Delft and The Hague. “That happened at the end of last year. It was a unique moment for the whole world.” Never before had quantum information been transmitted so stably and reliably over such a distance via standard fiber optics.

In the Netherlands, startups are also springing up like mushrooms. Delft is a breeding ground, partly due to the presence of the technical university. Take the HectoCubit project, for example, where a consortium of companies is working together to build a 100-qubit quantum computer. “This collaboration illustrates the power of specialization: instead of one company doing everything, startups from Delft complement each other.” Quantware develops quantum chips, Delft Circuits supplies specialized cables, and QBlox focuses on control electronics.

Driving innovation within national borders

Thanks in part to close collaboration between academia, industry, and government, developments in the Netherlands are progressing at a rapid pace, according to Van Houts. This is happening at full speed within Holland High Tech, says Van Houts. Quantum Technologies is one of the innovation domains of this top sector for high-tech systems and materials. HTSM continuously drives innovation through programs and investments in the sector.

Since 2018, Holland High Tech has subsidized a total of €22 million in public-private partnership projects in quantum. In addition, they set up a Strategic Program Quantum Technologies last year. Among other things, the organization contributes to the PAC-QC project, a collaboration between Orange Quantum Systems and the DiCarlo group at Delft University of Technology. Testing large quantum chips currently takes a very long time. The project is developing methods to test many qubits at the same time, so that new quantum processors can be built faster and more efficiently.

Holland High Tech also brings together various sectors. “For example, semicon is both a supplier and a customer of quantum technology. Think of lithography machines and other components needed to make quantum chips. At the same time, components of quantum sensor technology can be used to improve processes within semicon, for example, in the field of metrology.”

Quantum Delta certainly also forms an important foundation for the entire Dutch quantum ecosystem: with an investment of €615 million, it accelerates the development of quantum technology and brings companies, knowledge institutions, and start-ups together on a large scale. An example: Within a Quantum Delta consortium, parties such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Q*Bird, and other companies are working together. Together, they built the world's first scalable quantum network in the port of Rotterdam.

We are not there yet

Despite the Netherlands' strong position on the world stage, there is still work to be done. There are technical challenges that need to be overcome in the quantum world. Consider, for example, the reliable and secure connection of systems on a large scale. This means that ample space and funding are needed for research and development.

Van Houts: “Companies cannot do it on their own. The help and funding of governments and knowledge institutions is therefore desperately needed. Supportive instruments and funding, such as HHT's instruments for public-private partnerships, are essential and remain necessary to further stimulate innovation.”

Secondly, focus is needed. Countries around the world are competing with each other in the field of quantum computers. Initially, the focus was on who could deliver the most qubits, but now it is also about who can deliver the best quality qubits, with high quality and low error rates. Various technologies, such as superconducting qubits and semiconducting qubits, are being researched and developed for this purpose. The Netherlands is currently still investing in various technologies, but in the long term, a choice will have to be made. “We cannot excel in everything. By sharpening our focus, we will remain relevant on the world stage.”

Promising plans for the future

A sneak preview: in the near future, there will definitely be a focus on semiconducting qubits. SURF, the ICT cooperative for education and research, will host a European quantum computer at the Amsterdam Science Park in the Netherlands. This computer will use semiconductor qubits. The big advantage of semiconductor qubits is that they fit seamlessly into the existing, highly developed semiconductor industry. “This will also put the Netherlands on the international map. I am very curious about this project,” concludes Van Houts.

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