Finland and Australia are examining potential collaboration opportunities in quantum technologies, with discussions in Adelaide highlighting possible connections in research, development and manufacturing of quantum components under Finland’s “Quantum Leap” project, according to Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.
A delegation from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland attended the Quantum Australia Conference to engage with CSIRO and other Australian partners on areas of cooperation spanning quantum computing, software, error correction, and the development of more energy efficient, reliable and scalable systems, including supporting manufacturing capability for quantum hardware components.
In a media release, VTT Research Manager Dr Anu Kärkkäinen said building international networks is central to the Quantum Leap initiative.
“Quantum technologies are anticipated to provide unprecedented advances in computing, sensing and communications, with the potential to transform business and society globally,” she said.
“By joining forces with CSIRO, VTT aims to accelerate the development and real-world impact of quantum solutions. Collaboration is key to finding new opportunities,” Dr Kärkkäinen said.
CSIRO quantum lead Dr Anthony Chesman said the agency welcomed ongoing engagement with Finnish partners as part of efforts to move quantum technologies from research into practical use.
“Through collaborative opportunities, CSIRO seeks to accelerate implementation and adoption and deliver practical quantum advantage outside the lab,” he said.
“Working with partners who have complementary infrastructure and expertise helps us learn faster and reduce duplication, which is critical in a fast-moving field like quantum,” Dr Chesman said.
He added that engagement with VTT would help connect research and industry ecosystems across both countries.
“A partnership with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland would provide a practical way to connect people across our ecosystems,” he said.
VTT’s Quantum Leap project also involves Finnish universities and companies including Tampere and Jyväskylä Universities, IQM, SemiQon, Neste, Vexlum and Quanscient. Activities under the initiative include research exchanges, workshops, publications and industry-focused events aimed at supporting knowledge transfer and identifying new industrial applications.
VTT said its quantum work includes access to manufacturing facilities for quantum components and a 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer developed with IQM, with plans to scale to 150 qubits in 2026 and 300 qubits in 2027.
CSIRO, meanwhile, said it contributes expertise in quantum sensing, superconducting technologies, quantum engineering and fabrication, with work spanning multiple technology readiness levels across computing, communications and applied quantum systems.
