Umeå University researchers discuss quantum funding with minister

Following the Swedish Government’s launch of its new quantum technology strategy, Minister Lotta Edholm visited Umeå University to discuss prioritizing funding for the rapidly advancing field. During a meeting at Laserlab Umeå, Edholm stated, “We want Sweden to prioritise this area within the Swedish Research Council’s funding opportunities and strategic priorities, and we want it to attract increased investment and interest from industry.” The visit also included Liberal Party colleagues Lars Leijonborg and Elin Nilsson, signaling cross-party support for strengthening Sweden’s position in quantum research and collaboration.

Swedish Quantum Strategy Drives University Visit

The visit underscores a move to translate policy into action, prioritizing funding and industry collaboration within the field. During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg emphasized the importance of continued public investment, stating, “I am firmly convinced that we need to invest more in research in Sweden overall.

Public investment should reach one percent, not least because this would help attract additional funding from industry.” Holmberg also highlighted Sweden’s current position relative to global leaders, noting that the nation is being overtaken, primarily by the United States and China, in quantum research from a European perspective. Umeå University researchers presented ongoing projects spanning electronics, photonics, cybersecurity, and astrophysics, showcasing the breadth of quantum-related expertise housed within the institution.

The university’s contributions are foundational, even as quantum computer development concentrates elsewhere; two physical quantum computers are currently under construction at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg built within the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology. “To develop quantum computers, it is essential to understand how atoms and electrons behave at the quantum level.

That is the knowledge we generate here,” explained Thomas Wågberg, Dean. Holmberg added, “As Vice-Chancellor, I am especially pleased that Umeå University is home to world-leading researchers in this field who actively contribute to outstanding research collaborations.” Discussions also covered education, research communication, and inspiring future generations to pursue the natural sciences, signaling a holistic approach to strengthening Sweden’s quantum ecosystem.

Umeå Researchers Detail Quantum Technology Applications

Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg emphasized the University’s existing strengths in the field and the necessity of collaborative investment to realize the strategy’s ambitions. Researchers like László Veisz, who studies high-powered lasers and fundamental matter, and Nicolò Maccaferri developing knowledge for future electronics and photonics are generating essential knowledge for the field.