Quantum computers hold great promise as the next generation of hardware. They are based on counterintuitive phenomena from quantum mechanics. For specific problems, quantum algorithms can massively outperform classical algorithms. There are many ideas for applications, but the question of what exactly quantum computers can achieve is largely open. CWI investigates quantum software and applications of the few-qubit platforms that will become available in the near future, including cryptography in a quantum world.

CWI’s quantum research is concentrated in the QuSoft research centre, which was founded with UvA and VU in 2015 to investigate quantum software. It is complementary to the QuTech institute at the TU Delft, which is developing quantum hardware. Quantum technology is a major topic on political innovation agendas, both nationally and internationally. The EU recently announced a 1 billion dollar flagship program in Quantum Technology.