Quantum technologies, QT, are devices and systems that use the fantastic properties of quantum mechanics – the interactions of molecules and particles at the atomic and sub-atomic scale. Quantum technology is often divided into four areas: quantum computing, quantum simulation, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. After many years of fundamental research in quantum physics, the applications are coming within reach, and researchers and policy-makers, and business managers are starting to realize that quantum technology has the potential to change our society significantly.

Quantum computing will significantly increase our capacity to solve some of the most complex computational problems. Quantum computing is as different from classical computing, as a classical computer differs from the abacus. A significant boost for quantum research is a long-term vision of developing the Quantum Internet all over Europe by the European Quantum Flagship Initiative funded by the European Commission. Quantum computers, simulators, and sensors would be interconnected via quantum networks distributing information and quantum resources.

The concentration of scientific activity and investment around it says a lot about its maturity for quantum technology. To unlock the opportunity of emerging quantum computing, the vast majority of investment to date is going into infrastructure, e.g., hardware or its components. The next phase will focus more on the area of software and applications. Quantum computing will likely act as a coprocessor for the existing classical implementations of artificial intelligence, which rely on processing vast amounts of data.

Panelists will present and discuss the drivers and key challenges in innovation, how QT and related quantum computing improve the new approaches in R&D, and the challenges and opportunities of implementing QT in R&D.