QuTech and Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) were honoured to welcome Director-General Roberto Viola from the European Commission, on Friday 22 September.

The delegation discussed the Dutch quantum ecosystem and technological advancements in Europe with representatives from QuTech, Quantum Delta NL, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also visited the start-up labs in House of Quantum, and subsequently joined a tour of QuTech’s labs and facilities, together with TU Delft Rector Magnificus Tim van der Hagen.

Reflecting on the visit, Mr. Viola remarked: “The quantum ecosystem in Delft is positioning Europe well for the global race on quantum technologies. If we want to compete and remain strategically autonomous in this world, it is absolutely essential to advance in quantum technologies. Our national and European investments should continue to reflect this, which is why our President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the new Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform in her State of the Union last week. It prioritises investments in critical technologies for Europe’s technology sovereignty.”

Director General Roberto Viola (L) and QuTech’s Director of Research, Lieven Vandersypen (R), in one of the quantum computing labs.

The Netherlands stands as one of the world leaders in quantum technology, with a dynamic innovation ecosystem in which startups, companies, knowledge institutions and government strongly interact. As a leading organisation in quantum technology, QuTech positions TU Delft and TNO at the centre of these developments. QuTech is the largest institute of its kind in Europe and is the leader of several EU consortia, including the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA).

QuTech thanks Mr. Viola and colleagues for their time, interest, and dedication to our joint European quantum mission.

QIA Director Stephanie Wehner, Director General Roberto Viola and PhD Student Mariagrazia Iuliano during a lab tour of one of QuTech’s optical labs.