The European Quantum Technologies Conference 2023 (EQTC 2023), organised by Quantum Valley Lower Saxony, took place in Hanover from 16 to 20 October. The event brings together the most important European research and innovation networks every two years under the umbrella of the Quantum Flagship. As the largest quantum event of its kind, EQTC celebrates breakthroughs, highlights the pioneering work of European organisations and connects the dots within the community. This year, almost 700 stakeholders from science, politics, industry, start-ups and young talents met on site, making it an excellent platform to present OpenSuperQPlus (OSQ+), the expertise of our consortium within the European strategy for quantum technologies, but also start-ups that are successfully working on our project.
OpenSuperQPlus was present at the Quantum Flagship booth with a video from the predecessor project as well as digital and printed information material. A particular magnet for visitors was the miniature quantum computer model from our coordinating institution Forschungszentrum Jülich, which was the starting point for many opportunities to exchange ideas with interested conference visitors. In addition, numerous partner companies involved in OSQ+ had their own booths on site the EQTC: among others Qruise, a German software developer for machine learning, who has been part of OpenSuperQ since the start-up was founded within the framework of the predecessor project; our Dutch partner QuantWare, which is a start-up in the field of hardware development; and the Finnish research centre VTT, who presented their activities as part of the ecosystem initiative Quantum Finland.
In addition to the nearly 40 exhibits from Quantum Flagship initiatives, companies and European research centres, the conference also featured policy-making sessions involving stakeholders from across the quantum ecosystem. This provided the perfect opportunity to discuss the current state of play, network and strengthen the community. For various conference sessions, EQTC 2023 was able to win over two key representatives from the Quantum Flagship initiative: OpenSuperQPlus project coordinator Frank Wilhelm-Mauch and consortium member Tommaso Calarco (both from Forschungszentrum Jülich). As an experienced leader of European and national research projects in quantum technology, Frank Wilhelm-Mauch is in charge of coordinating the activities of the Quantum Flagship in his role as Chair of Quantum Coordination Board (QCB). Tommaso Calarco is not only one of the founders of the ecosystem initiative, but also Chairman of the Quantum Community Network (QCN). Together with other experts, Tommaso Calarco presented and discussed the 'Quantum Flagship's Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA) 2030'. The document will be published early next year and will also include a chapter on Communication & Outreach in the field of quantum technologies, which OSQ+ management partner EURICE has contributed to. A keynote speech by Frank Wilhelm-Mauch on the last day of the conference was another highlight. He presented the continuation of OpenSuperQPlus as an ecosystem for superconducting qubits in Europe.
Quantum Flagship booth at EQTC 2023
Quantum computer model from Forschungszentrum Jülich with OSQ+ postcard in the front
Qruise booth at EQTC 2023
Qruise presentation on the showcase stage
QuantWare booth
Quantum Finland booth including VTT - © Quantum Valley Lower Saxony / Peter Mate
Tommaso Calarco discusses the 'Quantum Flagship's Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA) 2030'
Frank Wilhelm-Mauch during his keynote speech 'An ecosystem for superconducting Qubits in Europe: OpenSuperQPlus' - © Quantum Valley Lower Saxony / Peter Mate