The Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) project has received €13M funding from the Research Council of Finland, with additional funding from host organisations. The project, set to run from 2024 to 2031, involves Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University, the University of Oulu, and CSC-IT Centre for Science. The funds will be used for quantum research, education, technology development, attracting international talent, and raising awareness of quantum technology in Finland. FQF Director Peter Liljeroth emphasised the importance of collaboration in maintaining Finland’s leading position in quantum technologies.
Finish Quantum Flagship Gets a Boost
Finnish Quantum Flagship Secures €13M Funding
The Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) project has received a significant financial boost of €13 million from the Research Council of Finland. This funding is part of the initial five-year investment for the eight-year project. The FQF project, set to commence its master plan in March 2024, is expected to receive similar funding from its member organisations.
The FQF project is a collaborative effort involving several Finnish institutions including Aalto University (coordinator), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University, the University of Oulu, and CSC-IT Centre for Science.
FQF’s Role in Advancing Quantum Expertise
With the new funding, FQF is well-equipped to expand interdisciplinary quantum expertise and make it accessible beyond the scientific community. According to FQF Director Peter Liljeroth, a professor of physics at Aalto University, the launch of the flagship project will enhance Finland’s excellence in education, research, and industrial development in quantum technologies.
Finland is recognized as a frontrunner in quantum technologies, and the national collaboration is flexible. Despite increasing global competition, the spirit of collaboration among Finnish universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industrial partners distinguishes Finland from other countries.
FQF’s Timeline and Objectives
The FQF project, scheduled from 2024 to 2031, represents a comprehensive advancement of the Finnish quantum ecosystem. The newly awarded funds will be used to foster cross-collaboration among the numerous research groups in FQF.
A key focus area of FQF is to attract, train, and retain international talent, a persistent challenge in the field. The funds will also be used to initiate new research activities and industrial ventures and to increase awareness of quantum technology in Finnish society through open-access educational programmes and trainings.
FQF’s International Collaborations
While the primary objective of FQF is to establish a quantum-ready Finland, building networks with other Nordic states is also a priority. FQF members are conducting an ongoing landscape analysis with their counterparts from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway as part of the Nordic Quantum international collaborative. This group aims to identify potential areas of collaboration in quantum technology research and development among the Nordic states.
FQF has also been fostering broader European collaboration and bilateral relations with countries like the United States based on public declarations.
FQF’s Association with InstituteQ
FQF is hosted within InstituteQ, the Finnish quantum institute that serves as a collaborative organisation in quantum science and technology. Founded in 2021 by Aalto University, VTT, and the University of Helsinki, InstituteQ facilitates high-level research, the adoption of novel technologies, the development of new commercial opportunities, and the development of national training programs.
‘With funding in hand, FQF is now armed with the necessary resources to broaden interdisciplinary quantum expertise and translate it beyond the scientific community. This is important. Finland is one of the known forerunners in quantum technologies, and our national collaboration is flexible. Although global competition is getting fierce, the spirit of collaboration among Finnish universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industrial partners is what sets us apart from other countries. The launching of this flagship will serve as a catalyst in bolstering Finland’s excellency in education, research, and industrial development in quantum technologies,’ says FQF Director Peter Liljeroth, a professor of physics at Aalto University.
Summary
The Finnish Quantum Flagship project has received a €13M investment from the Research Council of Finland, marking a significant boost for quantum research, education, and technology development in the country. The project, which aims to advance Finland’s quantum ecosystem, will use the funds to foster cross-collaboration, attract international talent, initiate new research activities, and raise awareness of quantum technology through open-access educational programmes.
- The Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) project has received a €13 million funding boost from the Research Council of Finland. This funding is for the first five years of the eight-year project, with additional funding expected from the project’s host organisations.
- The FQF project is a collaboration between several Finnish institutions, including Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University, the University of Oulu, and CSC-IT Centre for Science.
- The project aims to advance quantum research, education, and technology development in Finland. The funding will be used to attract and retain international talent, initiate new research activities, and raise awareness of quantum technology in Finnish society.
- FQF Director Peter Liljeroth, a professor of physics at Aalto University, emphasised the importance of this project for Finland’s position as a forerunner in quantum technologies.
- The project also aims to establish networks with other Nordic states and has been conducting an ongoing landscape analysis with counterparts from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
- The FQF is hosted within InstituteQ, a Finnish quantum institute founded in 2021 by Aalto University, VTT, and the University of Helsinki.
