Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, are planning a collaborative effort to advance practical quantum computing applications. The partnership, announced through VTT’s new “Quantum Leap” project, will specifically target quantum software, error correction, and components to improve quantum computer energy efficiency, addressing a major hurdle to scalability. Anu Kärkkäinen, Research Manager at VTT, stated that an essential part of the Quantum Leap Project is building strong networks with global quantum communities. Dr. Anthony Chesman of CSIRO emphasized their goal to deliver practical quantum advantage outside the lab, signaling a move beyond theoretical research and toward demonstrable real-world impact through shared infrastructure and expertise.
VTT’s ‘Quantum Leap’ Project: Implementation & Global Networks
VTT’s “Quantum Leap” project prioritizes energy efficiency as a core component of scalable quantum computing, moving beyond simply increasing qubit counts to address a fundamental limitation of current systems. The initiative, unveiled at the Quantum Australia Conference, focuses on quantum software development, robust error correction techniques, and components designed to reduce the substantial energy demands of quantum processors. This multifaceted approach demonstrates a commitment to practical implementation and acknowledges that sustained progress requires tackling challenges beyond computational power. VTT intends to build upon its existing 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer, developed in collaboration with IQM, with plans to scale to 150 qubits in 2026 and 300 qubits by 2027, outlining a clear roadmap for hardware development. The project’s emphasis on collaborative networks extends beyond Australia, incorporating Finnish organizations like Tampere and Jyväskylä Universities, alongside quantum companies including IQM, SemiQon, Neste, Vexlum and Quanscient.
These partnerships will facilitate research exchanges, joint workshops, and the dissemination of findings through white papers and industry events, all geared towards accelerating the translation of research into tangible applications. CSIRO’s Dr. The partnership aims to leverage complementary infrastructure and expertise to avoid redundant efforts and expedite the development process, noting that working with partners who have complementary infrastructure and expertise helps them learn faster and reduce duplication. VTT’s position within the Greater Helsinki ecosystem, recently assessed as the second best globally by ECIPE, further strengthens its capacity to drive innovation and foster a thriving quantum technology landscape.
CSIRO’s Quantum Focus: Translation & Cross-Sector Expertise
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is actively pursuing a strategy to move quantum technologies beyond fundamental research and into practical applications, a challenge currently facing the field as it matures. The agency’s efforts center on translating laboratory advancements into demonstrable benefits across multiple industries, leveraging a history in quantum sensing, superconducting technologies, and quantum engineering. This focus extends beyond simply increasing processing power; CSIRO recognizes the need for comprehensive development encompassing sensing, communications, and applications within biotechnology and energy sectors. Dr. The planned partnership acknowledges the benefits of combining complementary infrastructure and expertise, as Dr.
Through collaborative opportunities, CSIRO seeks to accelerate implementation and adoption and deliver practical quantum advantage outside the lab.
