The Norwegian government has launched a major quantum technology initiative, investing NOK 70 million annually in research and development. Ministers Karianne Tung, Bjørn Arild Gram, and Oddmund Hoel visited OsloMet’s Quantum Hub to announce the initiative, which aims to harness the power of quantum technology to address societal challenges such as climate change and the need for new medicines. According to Minister of Research and Higher Education Oddmund Hoel, “the data processing of the future is already here, with associated opportunities and risks that increase sharply.”
OsloMet’s Rector Christen Krogh emphasized the university’s commitment to increasing knowledge in quantum technology, which can perform calculations impossible today. Professor Sølve Selstø demonstrated the capabilities of OsloMet’s quantum computers, highlighting their potential to crack encryption and process large amounts of information at once. The initiative marks a significant step forward for Norway’s quantum technology sector, with implications for national security, data processing, and more.
Norway Launches Major Quantum Technology Initiative
The Norwegian government has announced an annual investment of NOK 70 million for research into quantum technology, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to harness the power of quantum computing. The initiative was launched at OsloMet’s Quantum Hub, where the Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung; the Minster of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram; and the Minister of Research and Higher Education Oddmund Hoel gathered to emphasize the importance of this emerging technology.
The Norwegian government’s investment in quantum technology is a strategic move to address several major societal challenges, including climate change and the need for new medicines. Quantum technology has the potential to contribute significantly to these efforts by providing faster and more efficient data processing capabilities. As Minister Tung pointed out, “quantum technology is a tool that can contribute to meeting several major societal challenges.” The government’s initiative aims to bring together experts from various professional environments across the country to work towards a common national and Nordic technological leap forward.
Securing Communication in the Quantum Era
One of the key areas of focus for the Norwegian government’s quantum technology initiative is ensuring secure communication. As Minister Gram emphasized, “we depend on being able to communicate securely.” The emergence of quantum technology poses significant risks to current encryption methods, as it has the potential to crack existing cryptographic solutions. Therefore, it is essential to develop new security systems and cryptographic solutions that can withstand the power of quantum computers.
OsloMet’s Quantum Hub is well-positioned to contribute to this effort, with its expertise in quantum data processing and mathematical modelling. Professor Sølve Selstø from the Quantum Hub demonstrated the university’s quantum computers’ capabilities to the three ministers, highlighting their potential to perform calculations that are currently impossible with classical computers.
Building Expertise in Quantum Technology
The Norwegian government’s initiative also recognizes the need to increase expertise in quantum technology. As Minister Hoel pointed out, “finally we are gathering our forces” to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this emerging technology. OsloMet’s Rector Christen Krogh emphasized the university’s commitment to increasing knowledge in quantum technology, stating that “the question is no longer if, but when quantum technology will be mature enough to make calculations that are impossible today.”
OsloMet’s Quantum Hub is already a leading national professional environment within quantum data processing and mathematical modelling. The university has started to include quantum technology in its teaching, recognizing the need to educate experts who can harness the potential of this technology while also mitigating its negative effects.
Addressing the Democratic Challenge of Quantum Technology
Professor Selstø also highlighted another critical aspect of quantum technology: its democratic challenge. As he pointed out, “quantum technology brings with it a democratic challenge, there are many people in society who do not know anything about it.” This lack of understanding can have significant implications for the development and deployment of quantum technology.
OsloMet’s efforts to include quantum technology in its teaching are an essential step towards addressing this challenge. By educating experts and non-experts alike about the principles and potential of quantum technology, the university aims to promote a more informed discussion about the benefits and risks associated with this emerging technology.
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