Abstract Switzerland was an early pioneer in quantum research with the establishment of national research centers, resulting in the attraction of talent and investment for quantum technology startups since at least the early 2000s. Several university centers and research centers in Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, and Geneva, and beyond form the backbone of a robust quantum technologies ecosystem. Most quantum technology companies and startups active in Switzerland draw their IP from university labs. Furthermore, ecosystem builders in the commercial and governance space are emerging, especially in Basel and Geneva, to ensure widespread access to quantum computing and diverse applications for the technology. The maturity of the quantum ecosystem in Switzerland has relied largely on a bottom-up approach, but the newly formed Swiss Quantum Initiative is aiming to bring a level of coordination to the diverse ecosystem.
Abstract Switzerland was an early pioneer in quantum research with the establishment of national research centers, resulting in the attraction of talent and investment for quantum technology startups since at least the early 2000s. Several university centers and research centers in Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, and Geneva, and beyond form the backbone of a robust quantum technologies ecosystem. Most quantum technology companies and startups active in Switzerland draw their IP from university labs. Furthermore, ecosystem builders in the commercial and governance space are emerging, especially in Basel and Geneva, to ensure widespread access to quantum computing and diverse applications for the technology. The maturity of the quantum ecosystem in Switzerland has relied largely on a bottom-up approach, but the newly formed Swiss Quantum Initiative is aiming to bring a level of coordination to the diverse ecosystem.
Abstract The second quantum revolution has been producing groundbreaking scientific and technological outputs since the early 2000s; however, the scientific literature on the impact of this revolution on the industry, specifically on start-ups, is limited. In this paper, we present a landscaping study with a gathered dataset of 441 companies from 42 countries that we identify as quantum start-ups, meaning that they mainly focus on quantum technologies (QT) as their primary priority business. We answer the following questions: (1) What are the temporal and geographical distributions of the quantum start-ups? (2) How can we categorize them, and how are these categories populated? (3) Are there any patterns that we can derive from empirical data on trends? We found that more than 92% of these companies have been founded within the last 10 years, and more than 50% of them are located in the US, the UK, and Canada. We categorized the QT start-ups into six fields: (i) complementary technologies, (ii) quantum computing (hardware), (iii) quantum computing (software/application/simulation), (iv) quantum cryptography/communication, (v) quantum sensing and metrology, and (vi) supporting companies, and analyzed the population of each field both for countries, and temporally. Finally, we argue that low levels of quantum start-up activity in a country might be an indicator of a national initiative to be adopted afterwards, which later sees both an increase in the number of start-ups, and a diversification of activity in different QT fields.
Abstract The emergence of quantum technologies has led to groundbreaking advancements in computing, sensing, secure communications, and simulation of advanced materials with practical applications in every industry sector. The rapid advancement of the quantum technologies ecosystem has made it imperative to assess the maturity of these technologies and their imminent acceleration towards commercial viability. The current status of quantum technologies is presented and the need for a quantum‐ready ecosystem is emphasised. Standard Quantum Technology Readiness Levels (QTRLs) are formulated and innovative models and tools are defined to evaluate the readiness of specific quantum technology. In addition to QTRLs, Quantum Commercial Readiness Levels (QCRLs) is introduced to provide a robust framework for evaluating the commercial viability and market readiness of quantum technologies. Furthermore, relevant indicators concerning key stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia are discussed and ethics and protocols implications are described, to deepen the understanding of the readiness for quantum technology and to support the development of a robust and effective quantum ecosystem.
Quantum technology has garnered considerable attention for its transformative potential across various industries since the early 2000s, precipitating a surge in quantum start-ups and substantial investments worldwide. However, comprehensive research on quantum technology in industries, particularly start-ups in the quantum field, remains limited. This study analyzes a dataset of 1,200 quantum start-ups from 40 countries, specifically focusing on 430 notable active start-ups. The analysis provides a thorough perspective on the industry’s progress, including trends in growth, geographical distribution, industry categorization, and investment patterns. The study categorizes start-ups into five domains: quantum computing, communication, sensing, hardware, and software. The analysis further captures the progress made by ten prominent quantum start-ups, six major technology companies, and quantum consortia regarding their technological innovations and strategic partnerships. We provide a comparative analysis of prior research to identify current conditions and future implications validated by notable studies, focusing on key parameters such as dataset scope, geographical distribution, growth trends, industry categorization, taxonomy, main interests in quantum fields, key players, and ecosystem identification. This approach underscores the dynamic growth of the quantum industry, which will drive future advancements.
This article is part of a series exploring the unique characteristics and challenges of managing technology teams in emerging fields, with a particular focus on quantum computing [1-5]. The series delves into the experiences of entrepreneurs, researchers, and organizations at the forefront of the quantum revolution, offering insights into team management, innovation, and ecosystem development. Canada's vibrant quantum computing ecosystem is undergoing rapid expansion driven by a combination of government support, world-class academic institutions, and a thriving entrepreneurial community. The 5th Workshop on Quantum Computing Entrepreneurship, held during IEEE Quantum Week 2024, was organized by volunteers from the IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society (TEMS), IEEE Entrepreneurship, and the Institut quantique. This workshop explored the key pillars of Canada's quantum ecosystem, showcasing the experiences of those driving the quantum revolution. These pillars encompass national and regional organizations that foster ecosystem growth, quantum accelerators that facilitate technology transfer from academia to industry, and the startups driving commercialization. Beyond offering valuable insights into the Canadian quantum ecosystem, this article also highlights fundamental components essential to any quantum ecosystem, given the current maturity of the technology. Readers involved in policy, entrepreneurship, or technology management can apply these lessons to foster quantum ecosystems in their own regions or organizations.
Abstract Quantum technologies (QT) promise to change the landscape of technologies disruptively in diverse industries. For this reason, many nations around the globe are investing to emerge within the global quantum ecosystem through initiating national programmes and international partnerships. Nonetheless, some other countries are still running behind and yet their governments need to take series actions to help their private and public sectors adapt to the looming changes, considering the new regulations required and the huge influence that QT will present in the near future. In this opinion piece, the authors provide, to the best of their knowledge, the first generally applicable, yet comprehensive and brief, framework for leveraging the emerging QT to facilitate the establishment of national initiatives properly. The insights presented in this article were driven based on investigating various approaches, initiatives, and roadmaps adopted globally and meeting with local and regional leaders, professionals, and governmental officials. Furthermore, taken into account socioeconomic and institutional dimensions of the Libyan society, the framework for the Libyan nation is projected. This opinion piece is intended to inspire researchers, technical industrial experts, stakeholders, and governmental bodies to find roles they need to play to bring QT forward.
Abstract Quantum computing promises to overcome computational limitations with better and faster solutions for optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems. Europe and Germany are in the process of successfully establishing research and funding programs with the objective to advance the technology’s ecosystem and industrialization, thereby ensuring digital sovereignty, security, and competitiveness. Such an ecosystem comprises hardware/software solution providers, system integrators, and users from research institutions, start-ups, and industry. The vision of the Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC) is to establish and advance the quantum computing ecosystem, supporting the ambitious goals of the German government and various research programs. QUTAC is comprised of ten members representing different industries, in particular automotive manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical production, insurance, and technology. In this paper, we survey the current state of quantum computing in these sectors as well as the aerospace industry and identify the contributions of QUTAC to the ecosystem. We propose an application-centric approach for the industrialization of the technology based on proven business impact. This paper identifies 24 different use cases. By formalizing high-value use cases into well-described reference problems and benchmarks, we will guide technological progress and eventually commercialization. Our results will be beneficial to all ecosystem participants, including suppliers, system integrators, software developers, users, policymakers, funding program managers, and investors.