Finnish firms come together to seize quantum opportunities

The first companies to join the collaborative network coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, BusinessQ, are Accenture, Bluefors, CSC – IT Center for Science, IQM, OP Financial Group, IBM Finland, Atos and Algorithmiq. Consisting of both quantum technology experts and potential end users, the network seeks to draw up a roadmap that enables Finnish companies to lead the way globally in adopting and developing quantum-enabled solutions.

“Developments in quantum technologies will create new opportunities for Finnish companies,” statedErja Turunen, head of digital technologies at VTT.

“At VTT, we have decades of experience in turning emerging technologies into viable business, and now we want to foster an active community and support Finnish industry and society in capturing the benefits of quantum technologies early on.”

Himadri Majumdar, manager of quantum programmes at VTT, revealed that early discussions with the participants have demonstrated that companies are curious, ambitious and open-minded about the opportunities of quantum computing. The objective is to attract a diverse group of participants to make sure the dialogue and co-operation provides as thorough as possible an understanding of the sundry industry-specific challenges that could be tackled with quantum solutions.

Finland is home also to a research community promoting innovation in quantum technologies. Aalto University, the University of Helsinki and VTT in April announced the launching of InstituteQ, an organisation that fosters research, education, innovation and infrastructure-related collaboration in the field of quantum technology.

The ultimate goal is to elevate the readiness of society for the social and economic disruption potentially caused by quantum technology.