Austria has officially signed the European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, a strategic cooperation between EU member states to promote quantum technologies. The declaration aims to strengthen Europe’s position in developing quantum technologies, secure European sovereignty and security, and promote innovation and job creation.
Austria’s research in quantum technologies is internationally recognized. The country ranks second among EU countries in scientific publications per million inhabitants. Notable figures like Anton Zeilinger, a Nobel laureate, have contributed to Austria’s excellence in this field.
Labor and Economics Minister Martin Kocher emphasized integrating innovations into practice and economic use. At the same time, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research Martin Polaschek highlighted Austria’s commitment to promoting quantum technologies. Companies like ParityQC, led by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lechner and Magdalena Hauser, also support this initiative. A new quantum initiative, funded with eight million euros, will pave the way for commercializing quantum technologies in Austria.
European Declaration on Quantum Technologies: A Strategic Cooperation for Promoting Quantum Innovation
The European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, signed by Austria in July 2024, marks a significant milestone in promoting strategic cooperation between EU member states to advance quantum technologies. This declaration, initially drawn up at the end of 2023 during the Spanish Council Presidency, has now been endorsed by 18 EU member states, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Austria’s commitment to this sector is underscored by its internationally recognized excellence in quantum research, highlighted by Anton Zeilinger’s Nobel Prize in 2022. The country’s international solid connections are crucial for transferring findings from fundamental research into innovative products and services. With around 27 scientific publications per million inhabitants, Austria ranks second among EU countries regarding quantum research output. Additionally, it boasts a strong patent application record, with 1.7 applications per 10,000 R&D employees, ranking third in the EU in 2021.
The declaration emphasizes the importance of cooperation between member states to develop a European “world-class quantum technology ecosystem.” The goals include strengthening Europe’s position in further developing quantum technologies, securing European sovereignty and security, and promoting innovation and job creation. Labor and Economics Minister Martin Kocher emphasized that innovations in this area must be increasingly integrated into practice and economic use.
Austria’s Pioneering Role in Quantum Research
Austria has been pioneering in global competition in quantum research, with decades of investment in basic research yielding significant results. By participating in this European project, Austria is strengthening its position as a leading research nation and contributing to creating an innovative and competitive Europe.
Federal Minister of Education, Science, and Research Martin Polaschek highlighted that Austria’s commitment to promoting quantum technologies is a long-term success story, resulting from decades of investment in basic research. The country’s outstanding scientific and applied expertise positions it to play an important role in a future European Quantum Valley.
Quantum Technologies for Sustainability and Competitiveness
Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler emphasized that quantum technologies have considerable potential for sustainable technology generation. These include high-precision climate modeling and weather forecasting through improved quantum sensors, the discovery and development of new materials for storing and converting energy via quantum simulation, and quantum high-performance computers that will use a fraction of energy resources.
Gregor Weihs, Head of the Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Science Austria,” added that technology development needs basic research as a basis, such as that carried out at the highest level in the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Science Austria. Conversely, the latest technologies enable breakthroughs at the limits of our knowledge.
Cooperation and Commercial Exploitation of Quantum Technologies
Cooperation is essential for corporate quantum applications, as Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lechner and Magdalena Hauser, co-CEOs of ParityQC, emphasize. By signing the European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, Austria promises to take the necessary steps to strengthen research and the economy in this area.
In addition, the National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development has decided to provide funds from the Future Austria Fund for a quantum initiative by Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Eight million euros will pave the way for the commercial exploitation and commercialization of quantum technologies in Austria. Setting up a “virtual quantum hub” also aims to strengthen networking between players and raise awareness of the topic.
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