Outreach

Quantum computing is one of the great technological promises for the future and The Netherlands leads the way in this field. Kees Eijkel, then Director of Business Development at QuTech, was invited on BNR Digitaal to talk about the funding of everything quantum.

Companies and governments need to start protecting themselves from the quantum computer very soon. At least that is the warning of twenty MEPs and the AIVD. Because this computer might just crack all digital secrets. Kees Eijkel discussed the topic on ‘Geld of je leven’ on NPO Radio 1.

Quantum encryption, quantum computing, quantum entanglement… anyone who keeps an eye on the news knows: we are in the second quantum revolution. In this lecture series by Studium Generale Universiteit Leiden, experts offer everyone the key to a better understanding of quantum mechanics. Janice van Dam (QuTech) and Bob Dirks (TNO) outline groundbreaking applications that could become a reality. From generating encryption keys to encrypting confidential information to calculations for developing new drugs and materials through distributed quantum computing.

Host Anic van Damme visits scientists and tech start-ups to discover what it takes to accelerate radical innovation. Ronald Hanson was featured on an episode of the Pioneering Tech podcast talking about his quantum research and the market readiness of quantum technology.

Researcher Anne-Marije Zwerver was also featured on BNR Nieuwsradio, talking about how quantum computers “can perform calculations that would take normal computers billions of years”.

One of eight quantum computers throughout Europe is soon to rise at the Amsterdam Science Park. What does the arrival of this expensive computer mean and what technology is behind it? SURF submitted the application to host the quantum computer to EuroHPC JU earlier this year, in coordination with Quantum Delta NL, on behalf of a broad consortium, including the TU Delft. Watch this Nieuwsuur episode from 35min00 to learn more about the European quantum computer at SURF, featuring our Anne-Marije Zwerver, co-founder of Groove Quantum.

Quantum mechanics is perhaps the strangest branch of physics: a particle is simultaneously a wave, a zero is also a one, and a cat can be both dead and alive at the same time. This raises questions, for how is it that our perception does not match reality? High time for a quantum mechanics crash course and a look to the future. What dangers and promises does it bring? Anne-Marije Zwerver explains in this Science Café by Studium Generale Universiteit Utrecht.

Marios Samiotis gave a talk to high school students in his home country, Greece. In this talk at the Hellenic Physical Society Event, he gave a short introduction on quantum information theory, more specifically on what a qubit is, and how one can interact with it. Afterwards, he shifted gears and explored how one can bring a physical qubit to life in the lab, and he gave a few examples from existing platforms. Near the end of the talk, Marios presented a simple two-qubit simulation of the Heisenberg antiferromagnet which he performed on Quantum Inspire and he gave some perspective on the scaling of such simulations.

In April, QuTech organised – together with 3DR, QIA and Quantum Delta NL – the Dutch edition of Inside Quantum Technology in The Hague. The event brought together corporate management, entrepreneurs, end users, technology providers, infrastructure partners, researchers and investors. The week was hosted by QuTech Director Kees Eijkel.

In October, we hosted another edition of QCIP – Quantum Computing for Industry and the Public Sector – at Theater De Veste in Delft, connecting R&D professionals from industry and the public sector with an interest in creating applications for the quantum computers of the future.

Our researchers were frequently invited to speak at conventions around the world. In addition to keynote talks, we also exhibited at many major international events, engaging with industry, policymakers and researchers at – among others – APS March, Optica 2.0, IQT, Q2B Silicon Valley, and Quantum Meets.

At QuTech, we regularly host delegations from local and international governments. In 2024, we welcomed representatives from the US, UK, France, Sweden and Japan, as well as a range of industry leaders. We also gave lectures on the state-of-the-art in quantum computing and networking during visits to government and industry partners.

QuTech representatives visited, high schools, companies, and government events to discuss quantum technologies and their potential. We also hosted a variety of lab tours for alumni, students, journalists, (potential) business partners, governmental institutions and other visitors.