23/10/2023

HPCQS Draws Positive Conclusions from the European Quantum Technologies Conference 2023

The European Quantum Technologies Conference 2023 (EQTC2023), 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 HPCQS, the expertise of our consortium within the European strategy for quantum technologies, but also start-ups that are successfully working on our project.

HPCQS was present at the Quantum Flagship booth with a specially created slideshow as well as digital and printed information material. A particular magnet for visitors was the miniature quantum computer model from Forschungszentrum Jülich, which was the starting point for many opportunities to exchange ideas with interested conference visitors. Also, at the Quantum Flagship booth, HPCQS was able to offer another highlight: PASQAL gave a live demonstration of its quantum processor and software Pulser. The company is the provider of the two 100+-qubit quantum simulators that will soon be set up at the supercomputing centres TGCC in France and JSC in Germany in the framework of HPCQS. Currently, several industrial partners from various fields have already tested first practical applications of the technology for the development of more efficient drugs, more efficient electricity consumption, and competitive advantage in risk management – with promising results.

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. In an expert panel, HPCQS project coordinator Kristel Michielsen (Forschungszentrum Jülich) enriched the conference with her scientific expertise and the contribution of our project to the 'European Strategy on Quantum Computing and Simulation'. Together with Tommaso Calarco and other experts, she also presented and discussed the 'Quantum Flagship's Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA) 2030'. The document will be published on the website of the Quantum Flagship at the beginning of 2024. Some HPCQS scientists participated in the SRIA Working Group ‘Quantum Computing and Quantum Simulation’, our management partner EURICE was part of the SRIA Working Group ‘Communication & Outreach’ in the field of quantum technologies, and Kristel Michielsen acted as a EuroHPC-QCS link for the SRIA. Last but not least, our industry partner ParityQC presented its product portfolio around the Parity Architecture in a session with short but comprehensive overview presentations by European innovation drivers in quantum technology.