Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today launched Quantum 2030, Ireland’s first national strategy for quantum technologies.
Quantum computing is an area of computer science that uses the principles of quantum theory, which explains the behaviour of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels.
Quantum 2030 focuses the efforts of Ireland’s quantum technologies community on areas of emerging growth in quantum technologies where Ireland can achieve a competitive advantage.
Dr Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research at Walton Institute, SETU,
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD,
Dr Giorgos Fagas, Head of CMOS++ and EU Programmes at Tyndall.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“The publication of Quantum 2023 marks the adoption of its vision as a whole-of-Government policy goal.
“The strategy sets out a path for Ireland to be an internationally competitive hub for quantum technologies by 2030.”
Quantum computing application development activities in Ireland, both in academia and enterprise organisations, have been growing exponentially over the past three years.
There has been a significant increase in the development of quantum computing applications that are important to enterprise end-users, public sector organisations and researchers.
Consequently, organisations in Ireland across different sectors are investing in or seeking collaborative development of quantum computing solutions for their research or business services and solutions.
Irish researchers have also recognised the potential of Quantum technologies, for innovation and competitiveness.
Quantum computing has a long research tradition in Ireland documented by an impressive research output and international reputation.
This activity ranges from the development of key enabling technologies for quantum computer engineering to the actual realisation of quantum computing hardware and software, and transfer to applications.
Dr Giorgos Fagas, Head of CMOS++ and EU Programmes at Tyndall, said:
As Ireland's National Institute in integrated ICT, we are thrilled that the Government set a policy goal to make Ireland an internationally competitive hub on quantum technologies. Tyndall has been paving the way for more than a decade with leading research in the engineering of quantum materials and devices for qubit realisation. Quantum 2030 is a springboard to amplify innovation nationally and enhance our international recognition.
Minister Harris added:
“Ireland has a strategically important position in the technology sector as a competitive global hub.
“We appreciate the synergy between the quantum training programmes offered by industry partners and those run through our universities.
“Together these programmes will prepare Ireland for the quantum revolution, providing us with a skilled workforce ready to apply breakthroughs in quantum computing to smart medical technology, telecommunications, climate change, and more.
“We believe Ireland can build on our existing successes in information and communication technologies to become a global leader in research, development and innovation that underpins the quantum revolution and to become the hub for realising and exploiting the new opportunities in quantum technologies, in particular in quantum computing and communications.”
Download the strategy here.