New center to strengthen Sweden in the quantum race
Six Swedish universities are joining forces to establish the Swedish Center for Quantum Technology, a national hub for research, innovation, education, and capacity building in quantum technology. The initiative aims to strengthen Sweden’s international competitiveness and serve as a driving force for the development and application of quantum technologies.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology and five other universities – Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, Stockholm University, Linköping University, and Uppsala University – have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Swedish Center for Quantum Technology.
“Quantum technology is developing at an unprecedented pace, and no single institution can meet the challenges and opportunities on its own. By bringing together Sweden’s leading universities, we are creating a stronger national platform that will help Sweden compete internationally and translate scientific excellence into societal and industrial impact,” says Anders Söderholm , President of KTH.
Quantum technology is currently at a critical global turning point, with major investments being made in both research and infrastructure. Sweden already hosts strong fundamental research and internationally leading environments in quantum technology, including the country’s most extensive quantum research programme, the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology. Through collaborations, partnerships, and testbeds, industry is actively engaged, with key support from funding bodies such as the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
However, national coordination is currently lacking, and new government initiatives risk creating fragmentation if they are not properly aligned. In response, the six universities have signed the MoU. Through coordination and long-term capacity building, the center will help position Sweden for the rapid developments expected in the coming decades.
"To be internationally competitive, we need to collaborate. The center provides an important opportunity to strengthen and expand the Swedish quantum science and technology community, building on the broad participation from many universities and Sweden’s existing strengths in research, education, and innovation,” says Jens Bardarson , Professor in Theoretical Physics and Head of the Department of Physics at KTH.
Together, the universities will contribute across the full value chain – from fundamental research to early-stage industrial and societal applications – covering research, education, infrastructure, and innovation. By improving coordination of expertise, infrastructure, and funding, the initiative aims to strengthen Sweden’s role as an attractive partner in both the Nordic region and Europe.
Text: Tora Zeijlon ( toraz@kth.se )