Quantum technologies have a huge innovation potential and are set to revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, defense, and aerospace, offering advances in everyone's health, prosperity and security.We expect the market in 2024 to heat up with more commercial products.Despite the value creation potential of quantum sensing, quantum communications and quantum computing of several trillion euros over the next ten years and immense private and government funding, only very few beneficiaries have developed a strategy to build up expertise and collaborations -the 'late follower' strategy could prove to be a dead end.In 2024 we will see more quantum sensors that can yield unparalleled resolution revolutionizing, e.g., navigation and biomedical applications like brain imaging.The trend towards miniaturization and full integration of photonic components will further transform traditionally bulky systems, e.g., for quantum key distribution into affordable devices for the mass market.Furthermore, we'll probably see more R&D on fundamental concepts such as all-optical analog-to-digital converters paving the way to more efficient, low latency and high bandwidth applications in quantum communication and quantum computing systems.Photonic quantum computers must meet initial benchmarks to remain competitive as the or one of the leading platforms.Advancements in quantum machine learning where quantum photonics platforms have already demonstrated notable speedup, especially when resources are limited, will gain momentum.In return, photonic component designers will be able to benefit from reinforced learning once QCs crosses the threshold into practical, real-world applications.Quantum companies, end users, investors, and governments worldwide rely on QBN, recognized as the world's leading business network, think tank and nucleus of the global quantum ecosystem.They share our vision to 'establish quantum for good' to tackle global and societal challenges.Let's build a resilient and sustainable quantum economy in 2024 and the years to come!
Quantum technologies have a huge innovation potential and are set to revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, defense, and aerospace, offering advances in everyone's health, prosperity and security.We expect the market in 2024 to heat up with more commercial products.Despite the value creation potential of quantum sensing, quantum communications and quantum computing of several trillion euros over the next ten years and immense private and government funding, only very few beneficiaries have developed a strategy to build up expertise and collaborations -the 'late follower' strategy could prove to be a dead end.In 2024 we will see more quantum sensors that can yield unparalleled resolution revolutionizing, e.g., navigation and biomedical applications like brain imaging.The trend towards miniaturization and full integration of photonic components will further transform traditionally bulky systems, e.g., for quantum key distribution into affordable devices for the mass market.Furthermore, we'll probably see more R&D on fundamental concepts such as all-optical analog-to-digital converters paving the way to more efficient, low latency and high bandwidth applications in quantum communication and quantum computing systems.Photonic quantum computers must meet initial benchmarks to remain competitive as the or one of the leading platforms.Advancements in quantum machine learning where quantum photonics platforms have already demonstrated notable speedup, especially when resources are limited, will gain momentum.In return, photonic component designers will be able to benefit from reinforced learning once QCs crosses the threshold into practical, real-world applications.Quantum companies, end users, investors, and governments worldwide rely on QBN, recognized as the world's leading business network, think tank and nucleus of the global quantum ecosystem.They share our vision to 'establish quantum for good' to tackle global and societal challenges.Let's build a resilient and sustainable quantum economy in 2024 and the years to come!
Photons are very promising resources for the whole field of quantum information processing. Bulk optics are currently not suitable for the realization of complex quantum optical schemes due to several drawbacks. The ongoing miniaturization of photonic structures due to the availability of sophisticated nanofabrication has provided huge opportunities for physical research of novel phenomena in nanophotonic systems and quantum technological applications. These include quantum information processing such as quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum metrology, and quantum sensing. Quantum communication is already quite advanced with several quantum key distribution (QKD) systems commercially available offering absolute security. Photonic quantum technologies are enabling breakthroughs in experimental tests of quantum physics and are close to practical applications of quantum technologies in imaging, secure communications, ultrasensitive metrology and quantum computing. There are several advantages to encoding a quantum bit onto a photon: the preparation and manipulation of single photons is easy, and the photonic qubit is a natural candidate for quantum imaging and communications. Furthermore, the qubit can be encoded in various degrees of freedom such as on the position, phase, time-bin, energy, angular momentum, polarization of the photon—or a combination of these. This flexibility leads to enormous opportunities for scientific exploration and in practical applications. This special issue on “Photonic Quantum Technologies” presents selected papers on photonic quantum systems from leading groups in the world. The articles represent a flavor of the cutting-edge research that is going on in this area. The studied material systems range from molecules to semiconductor quantum emitters. A major challenge is the design of telecom photon emitters with high efficiency, good yield, spectral purity, stability and the possibility of mass manufacture. We believe that this Special Issue will provide an overview of recent exciting developments in the field of photonic quantum technologies, serving to keep researchers up-to-date with the latest progress and spurring on new concepts in this field.
Optical chips for quantum photonics are cutting-edge technology, merging photonics and quantum mechanics to manipulate light at the quantum level. These chips are crucial for advancing quantum computing, secure communication, and precision sensing by integrating photonic components such as waveguides, beam splitters, and detectors to manipulate single photons, the fundamental carriers of quantum information. Key advancements in optical chips include low-loss waveguides, efficient single-photon sources, and high-fidelity quantum gates, all essential for scalable quantum circuits. Integrating these circuits on a chip offers significant advantages in miniaturization, stability, and reproducibility over traditional bulk optics setups. Recent breakthroughs in materials science and nanofabrication have propelled the field forward, enabling the production of chips with higher precision and lower defect rates. Silicon photonics, in particular, has become a prominent platform due to its compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes, facilitating the integration of quantum photonic circuits with classical electronic systems. Here, we share our vision of the future of optical chips for quantum photonics, which hold promise for various applications. In quantum computing, they enable the development of compact and scalable quantum processors. In communication, they provide the foundation for ultra-secure quantum networks through quantum key distribution. In sensing, they allow for high-precision measurements that surpass classical limits. As research progresses, optical chips are expected to play a critical role in realizing the full potential of quantum technologies.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed an impressive growth of data traffic and a progressive Digital Transformation of Industry and Society: the deployment of the ultra-broadband and low latency network infrastructures (e.g., 5G) are leading to a global digitalization of several domains. These techno-economic trends are expected to continue and even accelerate in the next decade, at end of which, 6G and smart networks and services will be exploited. Innovation will continue to drive the global economy into the next decade. This paper draws some technology trends and applications scenarios for this horizon, where Quantum Optical Communications are likely to disrupt Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications. Among the enabling technologies and solutions moving in this direction, this paper briefly addresses: quantum optical switching and computing, THz-to-optical conversions and advanced metamaterials for smart radio-optical programmable environments and Artificial Intelligence. The paper concludes with the description of a future application scenario, called Quantum Optical Twin, where the above Quantum Optical Communications technologies are exploited to provide services such as: ultra-massive scale communications for connected spaces and ambient intelligence, holographic telepresence, tactile Internet, new paradigms of brain computer interactions, innovative forms of communications
Over the last few years, we have witnessed an impressive growth of data traffic and a progressive Digital Transformation of Industry and Society: the deployment of the ultra-broadband and low latency network infrastructures (e.g., 5G) are leading to a global digitalization of several domains. These techno-economic trends are expected to continue and even accelerate in the next decade, at end of which, 6G and smart networks and services will be exploited. Innovation will continue to drive the global economy into the next decade. This paper draws some technology trends and applications scenarios for this horizon, where Quantum Optical Communications are likely to disrupt Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications. Among the enabling technologies and solutions moving in this direction, this paper briefly addresses: quantum optical switching and computing, THz-to-optical conversions and advanced metamaterials for smart radio-optical programmable environments and Artificial Intelligence. The paper concludes with the description of a future application scenario, called Quantum Optical Twin, where the above Quantum Optical Communications technologies are exploited to provide services such as: ultra-massive scale communications for connected spaces and ambient intelligence, holographic telepresence, tactile Internet, new paradigms of brain computer interactions, innovative forms of communications.
Quantum technologies are increasingly recognized as a disruptive frontier that will shape the next generation of industrial strategies. Developments in quantum computing, communication, and sensing promise not only technical breakthroughs but also significant economic and geopolitical consequences. Quantum computing can accelerate drug discovery, materials research, and complex optimization, while quantum communication opens new possibilities for secure data transfer beyond the reach of classical encryption. According to European Commission Reports and National Quantum Initiative Act, leading economies are already investing heavily: the European Union has committed over €1 billion to its Quantum Flagship program, while the United States launched the National Quantum Initiative Act in 2018 to coordinate research and industrial applications. These initiatives underscore the strategic nature of the field. For industrial policy, they also raise important questions: How should governments design roadmaps that foster public–private collaboration? What forms of regulation or incentives are needed to align innovation with competitiveness and security? At the same time, quantum technologies could support sustainability goals, for example through energy-efficient algorithms and advanced climate modeling. Positioning quantum technologies not only as an enabler but as a driver of future industrial policy is essential. Unlike incremental innovations, quantum breakthroughs will actively shape the direction of national strategies, global competitiveness, and sustainability agendas. Recognizing this driver role ensures that policymakers and industries move beyond adaptation, taking a proactive stance in designing resilient and forward-looking industrial ecosystems.
Quantum computing is a novel method of computation that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to handle highly challenging situations in a very short amount of time. Quantum technology has the ability to significantly impact worldwide advancement, even prior to the complete deployment of quantum machines. Quantum technology for communication, computation, and sensors has the capacity to revolutionise many industries, and several nations are making investments in this promising field. This includes research investments from both the public and commercial sectors. This article delves into the recent quantum computing advancements and the potential opportunities made possible by quantum technology in the next few decades. We outline a vision and scientific innovation for embracing the quantum age, as well as explore the pioneering applications of quantum computing. We also highlight software tools and platforms for quantum programming to unlock the power of computing and revolutionize the world. Finally, we identify the groundbreaking impacts of quantum computing on next-generation research and discuss the benefits of unleashing its revolutionary capabilities.