State Secretary Mona Keijzer announced yesterday that she will invest €23,5 million in quantum technologies over the next five years. This initial investment will be used to fund the high priority actions identified last September by the National Agenda on Quantum Technology.

“The urgency is high,” Keijzer writes in her letter to the Dutch cabinet. “In order for this promising field to continue to grow and participate in the rapidly growing global playing field, action is needed immediately – otherwise the Netherlands will be overtaken.”

Quantum technology is justifiably regarded as a key technology – with the potential to become a game-changer in many social and economic sectors. Examples include healthcare, agriculture, water and food, climate and safety. “The prominent position of the Netherlands in the field of quantum technology is recognized and acknowledged worldwide,” Keijzer continues in the letter. “Universities and knowledge institutes are leaders in the development of qubits, quantum networks, quantum algorithms and post-quantum cryptography and act as a magnet for global business investment and talent.”

“In Delft, a whole new ecosystem of research and companies has emerged around the quantum institute QuTech, a joint initiative of TU Delft and TNO,” says Kees Eijkel, QuTech Director of Business Development. “The strength of the Netherlands’ position is partly due to the Dutch government’s early recognition of the importance of quantum.”

Ronald Hanson, QuTech Scientific Director: “We are pleased that the government recognizes quantum technology as a matter of urgency. With this initial investment, we can immediately start with the high-priority actions. To truly make an impact on the Dutch economy, however, we must execute the full National Agenda on Quantum Technology, which will require significant additional funding. Only then we ensure that we can capitalize on our current frontrunner position.”

The initial investment will be coordinated and implemented by Quantum Delta NL, a foundation that is currently being set up by various parties including QuTech.

More information

National Agenda on Quantum Technology
Kabinetsreactie Nationale Agenda Quantum Technologie
Interview with Mona Keijzer in Het Financieel Dagblad

Photo credit Marieke de Lorijn