Quantum Technologies

The project impacts European SMEs and societies by supporting SME Involvement in Quantum Standardization. The aims is to provide guidance and best practices for quantum technology startups, and to createa roadmap for SME-friendly quantum communication deployments.

Rapid advancements in quantum computation, communication and a recent surge in QIPC startups are reshaping the landscape for the European innovation. Initiatives like the European Quantum Flagship, alongside global R&D programs, are channeling billions of euros into developing breakthrough quantum solutions. SMEs, long a cornerstone of the European industry, are now poised to harness quantum standards for critical communication infrastructures, including qubit development, advanced encryption, and network interoperability. These standards, including QRNG standards, will further boost state-of-the-art cybersecurity, laying the foundation for a future quantum internet, driving sustainable techno-economic growth, and ensuring that European SMEs and society remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

My contributions in JTC22/WG3 are mostly related to quantum software, i.e., software that is executed on quantum computers but also software that is executed on classical computers for enabling/supporting quantum computations. In Europe, new SMEs are growing around the quantum software topic. Therefore, I feel that the activity I am carrying out in the context of JTC22/WG3 will be beneficial for those companies.

The formation of a new IEC working group on fibre optic quantum interconnect will align with the technologies of many European SMEs who would benefit from early engagement to develop standards, which help accelerate commercial adoption of their approaches. Therefore, I am strongly engaging with European quantum SMEs to secure support for the proposal and encourage participation. The successful formation of the WG would be followed by the establishment of liaisons to ISO/IEC JTC3 and CEN/CENELEC TC86

The formation of IEC TC86 WG11 aligns well with the technologies of many European SMEs who would benefit from early engagement to develop standards, which help accelerate commercial adoption of their approaches. I am strongly engaging with European quantum SMEs to encourage participation from Europe; at the moment, the membership of the group overwhelmingly European (85%).