Things are buzzing in quantum Sweden

The three – John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis – are receiving the prize for their discoveries in the field of tunnelling, the quantum mechanical phenomenon whereby an electron or atom can pass straight through an energy barrier – such as a wall – which, according to classical mechanics, it would not be able to pass through.

Tunnelling is one of the cornerstones of quantum physics, and one of several phenomena where quantum technology goes against our usual macromechanical intuition. This also includes concepts such as superposition (that a quantum system can be in several states at the same time) and entanglement – the property that means that a change in one quantum particle immediately causes the properties of another quantum particle to also change, regardless of the distance between them. Depending on your perspective, this may sound like a poorly written science fiction script or extremely beautiful physics.

But the fact is that quantum technology will affect virtually every industry and is set to fundamentally change society. It is no longer a question of whether organisations in the public sector and business community should take the plunge – but when and how they will do so. Quantum communication will provide us with completely secure digital lines, quantum sensors will make our instruments many times more sensitive than they are today, and quantum simulations will help us develop previously unknown medicines, to name just a few applications. Whether quantum computers will really be superior to our conventional computers remains to be seen, but if developments reach that point, we will probably never have to worry about computer capacity again.

The positive thing for Sweden is that the Nobel Prize draws attention to a small but significant and growing niche in this country. Relative to its size, Sweden has very strong research in the quantum field, which has also begun to result in several exciting spin-off companies. Sweden's innovation agency, Vinnova, sees quantum technology as a designated strategic area, which should result in more government funding for research into various aspects of quantum technology. The Wallenberg foundations have so far spearheaded Swedish efforts, with over a billion Swedish kronor invested in the quantum field, which has resulted in Chalmers University of Technology successfully developing a world-class quantum computer and attracting a number of renowned researchers to Sweden.

RISE is also at the forefront in several areas of quantum technology, from measuring time and other quantities to quantum sensors and quantum communication, including within the EU's initiative on super-secure quantum data networks. Our colleague Linda Johansson, head of the quantum and semiconductors unit, is Sweden's representative on the European Commission's quantum flagship advisory committee. As Sweden's research institute, RISE has a special role in supporting everything from start-ups to established players in finding the right path into the quantum revolution.

This summer, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth published a report on the future of the Swedish quantum system, written by yours truly, with valuable assistance from colleagues both within and outside RISE. The report emphasises the importance of continued investment in this area, both with Swedish funds and in collaboration with the EU. Investments in research infrastructures are also encouraged, as is increased Swedish participation in standardisation work in the quantum field.  https://tillvaxtverket.se/tillvaxtverket/publikationer/publikationer2025/vagenmotettsvensktkvantekosystem.10046.html.