Quantum technology

Sweden has strong research and growing innovation environments in quantum technology. To seize the opportunities, collaboration between universities, companies, public actors and international partners is needed.

Vinnova works to strengthen Swedish research and innovation in quantum technology, develop innovation environments and promote international collaborations. The goal is to strengthen Sweden's ability to develop and use quantum technology and thereby contribute to future competitiveness and societal development.

What is quantum technology?

Quantum technology is based on the principles of quantum mechanics and enables the development of new ways of calculating, measuring and transmitting information. The field primarily encompasses three areas of technology: computing, sensors and communication.

• Quantum computing can enable new computational methods for certain problems that are difficult to handle with today's computers.
• Quantum sensors can enable highly sensitive and precise measurements, with potential applications in areas such as industry, research and navigation.
• Quantum communication can contribute to new methods for secure communication and information protection.

Quantum technology is developing in close interaction with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), semiconductors, photonics, advanced materials and digital infrastructure. When these technologies are combined, new functions and applications can emerge.

What can quantum technology be used for?

Quantum technology has the potential to create new opportunities in industry and critical societal functions. Many applications are still in the early stages of development, but the field could eventually contribute to several important areas of development.

Examples of possible applications are:

• Advanced computing and simulation: new methods for investigating complex problems in, for example, materials development and chemistry.
• Precision measurement: sensors that can measure physical quantities with very high sensitivity.
• Communication and cybersecurity: new technological possibilities for protecting and transmitting information.
• Navigation and timekeeping: alternative methods for precise positioning and time measurement, even in environments where satellite-based systems have limitations.

Quantum technology can also be important for security, robust societal functions and the resilience of society. Some applications can be used in both civilian and security-related areas. Therefore, collaboration between research, business and public actors is important to develop the technology and take advantage of its opportunities.

Why is Vinnova investing in quantum technology?

Quantum technology is an area of strategic importance for Sweden's future competitiveness, technical capability and security. Development is progressing rapidly internationally, and countries and regions are investing in research, innovation and expertise to strengthen their positions.

For Sweden, it is about capitalizing on strengths in research and technology, developing new innovations and creating conditions for companies to grow. It is also about strengthening access to critical technology and reducing vulnerabilities in strategically important value chains.

The national strategy for the quantum technology area emphasizes the need for long-term and coordinated work. Quantum technology is also highlighted in the report Sweden's Competitiveness and Investment Priorities and in Strategic Technologies for Sweden 2026 as an area with potential potential to contribute to Sweden's future competitiveness.

Vinnova works to strengthen Sweden's innovative capacity in quantum technology by promoting collaboration, knowledge building and the development of innovation environments. The efforts will contribute to the translation of research and technical development into innovations, applications and future value creation.

Quantum technology as a strategic technology

Quantum technology is part of Vinnova's work on strategic technologies and clusters of excellence for groundbreaking and strategic technologies. The work aims to strengthen Sweden's ability to develop, integrate and use technologies that can have major significance for competitiveness, security and societal development.

Future innovations often arise when multiple technologies are developed and used together. This convergence of technologies means that quantum technology needs to be understood in a broader context, where, for example, AI, semiconductors, photonics, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, robotics and space technology interact.

Vinnova's work includes analyses, roadmaps and knowledge bases that help identify Swedish strengths, strategic dependencies and future opportunities. The bases will provide support for priorities and choices that strengthen Sweden's long-term innovative capacity and competitiveness.

What is Vinnova doing in quantum technology?

Vinnova supports initiatives that strengthen the Swedish quantum ecosystem and create better conditions for research, innovation and business development. An important part is to promote collaboration between academia, companies, public actors and other parts of the innovation system.

The work includes, among other things:

• innovation projects and knowledge building in quantum technology,
• collaboration between universities, research institutes, companies and the public sector,
• development of test and demonstration environments.
• international research and innovation collaborations,
• skills supply and talent development,
• ecosystem development, utilization and commercialization of research.

Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform

An example of a effort in the area is the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP). The platform brings together actors from research, industry and innovation system to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange in quantum technology.

By linking competencies and actors, the work will contribute to enabling more people to develop, test and use quantum technology solutions and to strengthening the conditions for commercialization.

Vinnova also works to ensure that Swedish researchers, companies and innovation actors have better opportunities to participate in European and international collaborations.

Nordic cooperation in quantum technology

The Nordic countries have common interests and strengths in quantum technology. Through cooperation, the countries can develop expertise, share knowledge and strengthen the connection between research, research infrastructure and industry.

Actors and initiatives such as NordForsk, Nordic Innovation and Nordita contribute to Nordic research and knowledge development. Initiatives such as Nordic Quantum and the Nordic Quantum Alliance work to strengthen cooperation between universities, research infrastructures, innovation actors and companies in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Vinnova, together with other Nordic research and innovation funders, contributes to strengthening knowledge exchange and developing the conditions for innovation in quantum technology.

European and international cooperation

Quantum technology is being developed in an international context. Access to specialist expertise, advanced research infrastructure, test environments, investments and international networks is important for research results to be developed into new solutions and applications.

Vinnova works to strengthen the participation of Swedish actors in European and international research and innovation collaborations. Through these collaborations, Swedish researchers and companies can develop knowledge, find partners and create conditions for innovation and commercialization.

International collaboration also contributes to strengthening Sweden's position in the global quantum ecosystem and to developing collaborations that can be important for Europe's competitiveness and technical capabilities.

The future of quantum technology in Sweden

Quantum technology is a rapidly evolving field. Research, technical development and early applications are advancing at the same time as new needs for expertise, infrastructure and collaboration are emerging.

For Sweden to be able to seize the opportunities, more than outstanding researchis needed. It also needs companies that can develop and use the technology, access to test and demonstration environments, qualified expertise and strong international networks.

Educating, attracting and retaining specialists is therefore an important part of development. Equally important is creating the conditions for research results to be translated into innovations and new applications.

Through long-term investments in research, innovation, expertise and international cooperation, Sweden can strengthen its position in quantum technology and contribute to the development of future strategic technologies.