National Agenda Quantum Technology: from academic knowledge to applications

The role of TNO in implementing the agenda

Paul de Krom, Chairman of the Executive Board of TNO underlines the necessity and urgency of this agenda. "This National Quantum Technology Agenda, which has been developed in close cooperation with the entire field, describes what is needed to further develop quantum technology and to translate it into new economic value for the Netherlands. Actions and programmes ranging from research and innovation to market creation, talent development and social embedding must lead to the Netherlands becoming a vibrant quantum ecosystem that has a European and even global function: the quantum delta NL."

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Within the jointly supported National Quantum Technology Agenda, TNO is active mainly in the areas of quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and (post-)quantum cryptography. For TNO, the emphasis lies on translating academic knowledge into applications and helping to realise added, new value for companies and Dutch business as a whole. Ecosystem development and the social embedding of technology are an integral part of this. TNO is therefore involved in all the lines of action of the agenda

• Action line 1 | To achieve breakthroughs in research and innovation;
• Action line 2 | To develop ecosystem development, market creation and infrastructure;
• Action line 3 | Human capital: education, knowledge and skills;
• Action line 4 | To begin societal dialogue on quantum technology.

TNO is also active in the three leading catalyst or KAT programmes that define the agenda:

• KAT-1 | Quantum Computing and Simulation;
• KAT-2 | National Quantum Network;
• KAT-3 | Quantum Sensing Applications.

The aim of these ambitious programmes is to make developments in quantum technology 'tangible' by means of demonstrators and to get them to society and industry more quickly. In addition to carrying out applied research, TNO works to bring together and connect parties in the programmes and action lines of the national agenda.

Quantum technology within TNO

Five years ago, quantum technology within TNO underwent tremendous acceleration with the start of QuTech, in which TNO and TU Delft collaborate closely. The research in quantum computing and quantum internet has been absorbed into QuTech and has acquired a leading position internationally. TNO's Quantum Technology expertise group focuses entirely on quantum technology; its mission is not only to further develop and make this groundbreaking technology available, but also to apply it in applications for various markets such as defence, ICT and space. The department works on the development of quantum computers and quantum networks in the context of QuTech, and is also involved in the development and application of quantum sensors. Other TNO departments are also involved. For example, the Optics group works on the development of quantum photonic integrated circuits, in collaboration with PhotonDelta, and the Cyber Security & Robustness group works on applications for quantum computing and quantum communication as well as on the transition to post-quantum cryptography.

Examples of some of the projects TNO is working on:

• One of the biggest challenges for building universal quantum computers is the system design and integration of all hardware and control software. With the Quantum Inspire project, TNO and Delft University of Technology are taking the first steps in the field of a broad system approach.
• TNO is developing quantum sensors for the high-tech mechanical engineering and semiconductor industries, where metrology is a major challenge.
• Much research is still needed to develop new encryption protocols that cannot be broken by quantum algorithms. TNO is working on the development of products and strategies to help organisations become quantum-resistant.
• On a European scale, the ESA ScyLight programme is running various projects in the field of space-based Quantum Key Distribution, involving not only TNO but also Dutch industry.
• TU Delft is developing a 'quantum microscope' together with QuTech, Leiden University, TNO and two start-ups (Applied Nanolayers and Leiden Spin Imaging). In the future, this technology can be used as a nanoscale MRI in hospital research.