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Recently, we welcomed CryoQore, a company specialising in quantum cryogenic systems and nanotech cryogenic integration, to our QDNL Leiden hub.We spoke with Dr Salim Erfanifam, CryoQore&#039;s founder and an experimental physicist specialising in condensed matter, cryogenic techniques, and nanotechnology, to learn about his entrepreneurial journey and his motivation to scale cryogenic components.

As quantum components grow more diverse, monitoring precise local temperature and cooling efficiently becomes increasingly complex. Traditional setups can be bulky and consume more energy for each test. Improved local thermal conditions and reduced temperature gradients could support better device performance, characterisation, and reliability. “CryoQore provides compact, modular, and integrable platforms ranging from low-footprint thermometry to ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-compatible cryogenic components and readout electronics,” Salim remarks. By making these core components compact and modular, CryoQore hopes to reduce setup complexity and lower a cooling system’s operational risk. Specifically, he is developing the technology for academic research centres and quantum companies working on cryogenic systems and testing performance and stability.

Supporting cryogenic components at scale

When asked about the motivation behind starting CryoQore, Salim emphasises that researchers and companies often face technical bottlenecks that hamper efficient experiments, especially as existing cryogenic components and temperature measurement systems are bulky, difficult to handle, or lack local precision. He adds, “I founded CryoQore to bridge this gap by developing specialised enabling technologies that combine compact cooling solutions and ultra-precise temperature sensing and allow quantum researchers to scale and test their devices in an agile system without sacrificing measurement accuracy.” While the relatively new company was just founded in late 2025, CryoQore already has multiple projects underway. “We are actively supplying specialised sub-millikelvin thermometers, such as our LCMN models covering from a few hundred mK down to 0.55 mK, alongside custom multi-channel, ultra-low-noise readout electronics, and working on next-generation on-chip thermometry,” notes Salim proudly. “Further, we are developing a Portable &amp; Compact ADR Module, with a prototype target of mid-2027 and T_min &lt; 100 mK. This platform will make ultra-low temperature cooling significantly more accessible, hybrid, modular, and integrable.”

Starting an entrepreneurial journey

CryoQore is now part of the QDNL Leiden hub, located at Leiden Bio Science Park.

Part of the vibrant Leiden quantum ecosystem

“I am really proud that CryoQore is part of the vibrant QDNL Leiden ecosystem as we advance deep tech cryo and nano innovations.”

Learn more about CryoQore: <a href="https://cryoqore.com/">https://cryoqore.com/</a>Interested in working on projects related to CryoQore’s expertise? Connect with Salim on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/salim-erfanifam-1a2a8980/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/salim-erfanifam-1a2a8980/</a>

Article

Articles

Nicoletta Mongitto

Leiden

Dr Salim Erfanifam finds a home for CryoQore at QDNL Leiden

QDNL is pleased to announce the appointment of Adriaan Rol to the Supervisory Board (Raad van Toezicht), effective 1 October 2026.Adriaan is the co-founder and executive director of OrangeQS, a well-established scale-up within the QDNL network and a provider of automated test equipment for quantum chips (ATE-Q). His work has strengthened the Dutch quantum ecosystem through national and international collaborations, commercial engagements with tangible results, and technical contributions to the future of quantum chip technologies.In his current tenure at OrangeQS, he has defined and executed the product roadmap from prototype to commercially deployed, multi-million-euro test systems - specific expertise he will bring to his role on the supervisory board.

“I am delighted to welcome Adriaan Rol to our supervisory board. His vision and experience in the development of start-ups and scale-ups will be invaluable as we advance an area of such high priority for the Dutch quantum ecosystem."

"QDNL has been instrumental in the emergence of the Dutch quantum ecosystem and helped position it on a global scale. As quantum enters a new phase of industrialisation and scale-up, turning that position into lasting economic impact will call for new approaches. I am excited to contribute my experience to that next chapter."

Adriaan’s earlier work focused on control of programmable superconducting quantum systems, and he was a key contributor to Quantum Inspire. He holds a PhD (cum laude) from TU Delft.

QDNL appoints Adriaan Rol to the QDNL Supervisory Board

On 5 October, Minister Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate) and State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts (Digital Economy and Sovereignty) submitted the National Quantum Strategy (Rijksbrede Quantumstrategie - RQS) to the Tweede Kamer. The strategy focuses on Dutch quantum excellence, strengthening sovereignty by reducing dependency on non-European technologies and systems, and mitigating future risks associated with the arrival of advanced technologies, including quantum. The government’s goal is for the Netherlands to be strategically autonomous and resilient in the field of quantum technology by 2035.  In 2021, QDNL was awarded €615 million from the Dutch National Growth Fund (Het Nationaal Groeifonds) to develop the quantum technology sector in the Netherlands. Initially, we focused on building a robust quantum technology ecosystem, supporting academia and research programmes, nurturing talent, and encouraging successful spinouts. From 2026, we shifted our focus to championing the ecosystem&#039;s growth and continued development, connecting research with industry, and developing real-world use cases that translate into economic value. The National Quantum Strategy acknowledged many of our efforts, particularly the technical strength and visibility of the Dutch quantum ecosystem. “We’re very pleased to see QDNL’s present efforts and future plans acknowledged in the RQS. The strategy clearly recognises the role QDNL has played in building a robust Dutch quantum ecosystem, including our challenge-based programmes, the efforts of our Talent and Learning Centres for early quantum education in schools, and the societal impact work of the Centre for Quantum and Society,” responds Mayra van Houts, Head of Strategy at QDNL. “It&#039;s evident that the Dutch government understands the opportunities associated with advancing quantum technologies and the importance of maintaining a leading position. We’re proud to have an active role in that future.” The National Quantum Strategy can be <a href="https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2026/10/05/kabinet-nederland-in-2035-leidend-met-quantum-en-weerbaar-tegen-risicos">viewed here</a>.

Mayra van Houts

The National Quantum Strategy emphasises importance of Dutch quantum leadership

A new white paper, led by QDNL and TNO in consultation with the broader quantum ecosystem, outlines the strategic, economic, and sovereign advantages of establishing quantum networks and an ecosystem of companies building them in the Netherlands.Quantum networking is a strategic capability. It will amplify the power of future quantum computers and may provide additional protection against quantum-enabled cyber attacks. The Netherlands already has the ingredients to lead in quantum networking, including top-tier research programmes, successful early quantum network deployments, a strong startup ecosystem, an industrial capability in optical satellite communication, and worldwide academic and technical leadership. Now, our challenge is to translate that research into a viable market opportunity.Addressing both the opportunities and challenges of quantum network development, the white paper sets out a 10-year strategy for building a user-centric quantum network that strengthens technological sovereignty and positions the Netherlands as a leading contributor to Europe’s future quantum communications infrastructure.

Building a strong quantum network

By 2036, the Netherlands aims to operate user-centric quantum networks that deliver tangible operational advantages to Dutch and European users. This goal requires the cooperation of the entire ecosystem, including researchers, startups, companies in end-user industries, and policymakers.The strategy focuses on three enabling conditions to stimulate the creation and commercialisation of a Dutch-operated quantum network: capital, usage and uptake, and stronger connections between supply and demand. These conditions must be paired with technical priorities, including entanglement-based networking and quantum key distribution. Supporting infrastructure, such as a national access provider and an Open Access Facility, will also be essential to make these technologies accessible, scalable, and commercially relevant.“If we wait for the market to mature to the point where quantum networks are needed in practice, we will lose our position as leading architects of the quantum internet and sink into the role of passive users,” comments Wojciech Kozlowski, co-editor of the white paper, referencing the vision set forth in the paper.

“The building blocks of a strong research network and thriving quantum ecosystem are already here in the Netherlands. It is imperative that we take the early initiative to develop a sovereign quantum network and begin the commercial cycle.”

Wojciech was recently appointed Quantum Communications (CAT-2) Lead at QDNL, and he is responsible for advancing the Netherlands&#039; quantum networking capabilities.

A collective call to action

The white paper specifically addresses Dutch policymakers with three calls to action:<ol><li>Consolidate Dutch leadership by accelerating quantum internet development through the EU quantum strategy (QI²). This includes engaging patient capital and building pilot and open-access facilities in the country.</li><li>Empower adoption of near-term applications to bridge the commercial gap. Create the user base necessary to stimulate a market for quantum key distribution and related services, focusing on the right infrastructure and alleviating non-technical barriers such as standardisation and trust.</li><li>Incentivise terrestrial / space telecom collaboration to establish a national quantum access provider. Establish a national quantum access provider, serving as the Dutch EuroQCI node, with infrastructure architected for immediate quantum key distribution service and seamless upgrade to entanglement networks.</li></ol>

“We couldn’t dream of a better context for this ambition: world-class academics and innovation leaders at home and a collective European determination to lead on quantum technologies. Now let’s deliver and build the global champions of quantum networking."

The white paper emphasises that the Netherlands has an opportunity to transition its research leadership into an economic advantage. Acting on that opportunity will require coordination and collaboration across government, industry and academic institutions over the coming decade.Download and read the full white paper below:

Wojciech Kozlowski

A Quantum Network Vision for the Netherlands

As part of QDNL’s Visitor’s Programme, QuSoft welcomed researcher Nate Stemen in early 2026. During the exchange, Nate contributed to new algorithmic possibilities, mentored students at the University of Amsterdam, and completed software work in his areas of expertise.

A revised view on quantum algorithms

Nate’s research work focused on speeding up a bottleneck in the quantum Fourier transform algorithm on the symmetric group. Using a numerical approach, he searched for patterns in compiled unitaries that might suggest smarter decomposition strategies. While better decompositions remain open, the team found several interesting properties that could inform future research. He also open-sourced a Python package for working with Young diagrams. The second half of his time was largely devoted to mitiq, a Python toolkit for obtaining more accurate results on noisy quantum hardware. After six years of development, Nate shipped version 1.0, marking a major milestone and bringing the documentation up to date, squashing outstanding bugs, and modernising the project to align with current Python best practices. “The release of mitiq version 1.0 represents a commitment to a stable API and signals that the project has matured into something the community can rely on even in a rapidly changing ecosystem,” adds Nate.

Motivated by mentorship

Beyond his research focus, Nate mentored a group of students at UvA. Together, they ran automated quantum error mitigation (QEM) experiments and built tooling to make it easier for other users to do the same, strengthening future experimentation. “Having the opportunity to witness students develop both technical skills and intuition for a genuinely hard problem with significant engineering and mathematical trade-offs was a highlight of my time during the visit.”

Contributing to the quantum community

Nate’s visit also offered further opportunities to contribute to the quantum community. He added new gates and features to the <a href="https://gate.directory/">Quantum Gate Directory</a>, collaborated with QuSoft colleagues on more efficient Toffoli decompositions, ran experiments with a Clifford tester, and wrote and published the second instalment of Nate’s Gates, a special zine series exploring quantum logic gates.

“I left Amsterdam with a new excitement for quantum computing and information, both for the technical depth I was immersed in and the wonderful community I found at QuSoft. I hope to see many around at conferences and events in the future.”

The QDNL Visitor’s Programme supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.

QDNL Visitor’s Programme Spotlight: Nate Stemen contributes research and mentorship at QuSoft and UvA

Theoretical and practical ideas came together at quantum computing events, conferences, and courses in Amsterdam this summer.There’s a strong quantum computing research foundation in Amsterdam. The city is home to the University of Amsterdam (UvA), research organisation QuSoft, NWO institute CWI and a cluster of promising spinouts and startups focused on theoretical and practical quantum research and applications.Throughout this summer, two significant quantum events took place in the city: QSim26, QPL 2026 and the CWI research semester programme on quantum algorithms and quantum error correction, jointly organised by QuSoft, is about to start between September and October. Through presentations, pitches, panels and workshops, these events took on significant themes in the world of quantum computing – from the exploration of how our understanding of the physical world influences our understanding of quantum systems, to the value of simulation, to debating how theory and practice together build the mathematical foundation of quantum through logic.

QPL 2026

The 23rd International Conference on Quantum Physics and Logic (QPL 2026) brought together nearly 200 quantum researchers, computer scientists, and mathematicians at the University of Amsterdam, Roeterseiland campus, between 15-21 August 2026.The programme focused specifically on research at the intersection of mathematics and physics and examined how algorithms and mathematical principles can address real-world hardware challenges. Topics included fault tolerance, causality, contextuality and quantum speedups, generalised probabilistic theories, and measurement-based quantum computing.More broadly, it explored where quantum algorithms can support classical methods and where quantum computing provides a real advantage.Several companies from the Netherlands’ quantum ecosystem also participated in a career fair during the conference, offering these companies the opportunity to connect with emerging talent and prospective employees. Read more about the research highlights from QuSoft researcher John van de Wetering: <a href="https://qusoft.org/2026/08/24/quantum-physics-and-logic-2026-scientific-highlights/">Quantum Physics and Logic 2026: Scientific Highlights</a>.

QSim2026

This year’s QSim conference focused on the intersection of the theoretical and the experimental, highlighting how the theory-experiments gap is closing now that the resources required to run useful chemistry and physics simulations on quantum hardware is decreasing.  “In the beginning, experimentalists said, ‘we can make 1 qubit and that is a big deal,’ while theorists said, ‘we need a million or more.’ Today, as algorithms become more efficient and hardware scales from dozens to hundreds of performant qubits, those two worlds are finally meeting.” - Kareljan Schoutens, Professor of Theoretical Physics at UvA and QuSoft co-founder.In the plenary, panellists specifically homed in on the importance of a collaborative mindset. They reinforced that it is not necessarily a single architecture or model that will drive progress in quantum simulation, but that each platform benefits when they validate and inform one another.Review additional insights from the panel here: <a href="https://qusoft.org/2026/08/18/when-theory-meets-hardware-takeaways-from-qsim-2026/">When theory meets hardware: Takeaways from QSim 2026</a>

CWI-QuSoft’s research semester

CWI-QuSoft’s research semester provides a structured environment that encourages new theoretical insights, facilitates academic collaborations, and develops future research directions in quantum software. The workshops – started already in August with a summer school and upcoming in September and October – focus on quantum error correction (QEC) and quantum algorithms. Together, these areas provide the foundation needed to advance quantum computing and keep methodologies and algorithms up to date.More on the research semester: <a href="https://qusoft.org/2026/06/11/research-semester-on-quantum-algorithms-and-quantum-error-correction/">Research semester on Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Error Correction</a>Each of these events helped facilitate new collaborations and networking, while also creating a forum for the discussion and debate around quantum computing principles that will continue to influence innovation and progress. While theory remains an important foundation for testing and discovery, participants and speakers also looked ahead to potential practical applications and quantum computing use cases across research areas, business industries, and society.

Amsterdam

Advancing quantum computing through dialogue and networking

<a href="https://qutech.nl/2026/09/04/qutech-establishes-quantum-systems-integration-unit/">Press release</a> provided by QuTech. QuTech has established a Quantum Systems Integration Unit to develop full-stack superconducting quantum computers. The new unit will build open–architecture quantum computers using a European quantum value chain. It is seed-funded by QuTech Business Development, with Quantum Inspire providing the environment for deploying integrated systems and making them accessible to users.The QuTech-wide unit builds on years of experience developing, integrating and operating superconducting quantum computers in Delft. To date, five generations of these systems have been made publicly accessible through Quantum Inspire, giving the team experience across the full cycle from processor development to staging, testing, release, operations, maintenance and user access and support. Leo DiCarlo is the Scientific Lead of the unit. Vivek Sinha acts as Strategy and Partnerships Lead.

From processor to full system

A full quantum computer brings together much more than the quantum processor. Cryogenics, packaging and wiring, control electronics, calibration and characterisation, system software, compilers, monitoring, cloud access and day-to-day operation all must work together. These layers are closely connected, and a change in one part of the stack can affect several others.Through successive system builds and programs such as HectoQubit/2 and OpenSuperQPlus, QuTech has developed experience across this full integration cycle. The new unit brings this knowledge together and will develop a repeatable approach to system architecture, interfaces, component qualification, integration, commissioning, automation, monitoring, and maintenance.Open architecture is central to this approach. Specialised technologies from different organisations can be combined through well-defined interfaces, allowing a system to benefit from advances across the wider ecosystem. Delft already provides a strong base for this way of working. QuTech collaborates with organisations including TNO, Qblox, QuantWare, Delft Circuits, Orange Quantum Systems, Peak Quantum, and Riverlane across different parts of the quantum computing stack. The Quantum Systems Integration Unit will build on these relationships and strengthen Delft as a European hub for superconducting quantum system integration. For Europe, the ability to connect processors, control technology, cryogenics, software and other specialised components into complete systems is becoming increasingly important for maintaining its own quantum computing capability.

Connecting research and engineering

System integration also creates a direct connection between scientific research and the engineering of complete machines. Research in the DiCarlo Lab continues to address areas such as quantum error correction, processor physics and improved qubit control. Recent work includes <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.17460">leakage reduction</a> to improve quantum error correction, <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/wdfj-4nbt">methods for selecting</a> tunable-coupler operating points that reduce unwanted spectator interactions, and <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.18388">studies of correlated error bursts and quasiparticle dynamics</a> in operational Quantum Inspire processors. These results can feed into future systems, while integrated machines provide researchers with increasingly capable infrastructure on which new ideas can be tested.Quantum Inspire, through its open access, plays an important role in this cycle. Making systems available to users provides operational experience beyond individual laboratory experiments and exposes engineering questions that only become visible when a complete machine is commissioned, maintained and used over time. This experience can then feed back into processor design, control methods, software and the architecture of future systems.

From public investment to new technology and valorisation

National and European investment has helped build substantial scientific and engineering knowledge in Delft. Funding from QDNL’s quantum computing program (CAT-1) provided important early-stage support for the development of this system-integration capability, alongside support from NWO and Holland High Tech. At the European level, OpenSuperQPlus, part of the EU Quantum Flagship and funded by the European Union, has further strengthened QuTech’s experience in building and integrating superconducting quantum computing systems. Together with programs such as HectoQubit/2 and the wider network of academic and industrial partners around QuTech, these investments have provided the foundation on which the Quantum Systems Integration Unit is now being built. The Quantum Systems Integration Unit will use this foundation to develop new technology, intellectual property and economic activity. During its first year, the team will create a repeatable system-integration blueprint, build an IP base around system architecture, integration methods, tooling and interfaces, and work with potential customers and partners to understand where this capability is most valuable.The market study will consider different routes, including but not limited to turnkey system-integration projects, system integration as a service, open-architecture quantum computers for HPC and research infrastructures, and services around deployment, operations, and compute time. The findings will guide the development of the unit and the route towards venture creation in 2028, supported by a strong IP position and practical experience integrating superconducting quantum computers across the European value chain.

“Delft has built up years of experience in developing and operating complete quantum systems. We now want to turn that experience into a repeatable integration capability, build the IP around it and understand where customers see the greatest need. That creates a strong basis for future venture creation.”

Rebecca Mayrhofer (Head of Business Development at QuTech)

“Europe has excellent companies and research groups across many parts of the quantum computing stack. A strong system integrator can connect those technologies into complete practical and usable machines. Expanding that capability in Delft strengthens both the Dutch ecosystem and Europe’s ability to develop its own quantum computing infrastructure.”

Marco Matters (QDNL CAT-1 Lead)

Marco Matters

Delft

QuTech establishes Quantum Systems Integration Unit

QDiamond is a series of focused workshops dedicated to quantum science and technology with diamond. From 14–18 June 2026, the latest edition took place in Oegstgeest, bringing together 28 leading international scientists working on diamond-based quantum sensing, simulation, and information technologies. Hosted by the Department of Quantum Nanoscience and the QuTech Institute of TU Delft, the workshop’s programme provided the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and research successes, and to increase international collaboration in the field of diamond-based quantum sensing.Education from world-leading experts on quantum sensing with diamond spinsSessions explored the use of nanodiamonds as non-invasive sensors for biological and biomedical applications, including techniques for creating hyperpolarised nuclear spin baths that could be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with enhanced contrast. Attending researchers also demonstrated how spin-based quantum sensors are enabling magnetic imaging at the micro- and nanoscale, rapidly providing new insights into atomically thin magnetic materials. Emerging research on spin defects in boron nitride illustrated the potential of new sensing platforms. In addition to the focus on quantum sensing, the programme included talks on advances in quantum computing, quantum networking, and the interaction between quantum systems and their environments – connecting the workshop to all three of QDNL’s catalyst programmes. Expanding research connections and growing the networkIn addition to the robust scientific programme, the workshop added value beyond the planned sessions. The intimate group size encouraged open dialogue between early-career and senior researchers, with participants sharing both published results and early-stage ideas. Dedicated time for questions and discussion generated impactful exchanges and conversations on opportunities to strengthen quantum science and technology across Europe.The QDNL Visitor&#039;s Programme supports international knowledge exchange, helping researchers build new collaborations and address fundamental challenges in quantum science.

QDNL Visitor's Programme Spotlight: QDiamond26 workshop in Oegstgeest

QDNL is pleased to announce Freek Witteveen, a senior researcher at QuSoft and CWI, as a recipient of funding and mentorship through our Top Talent Initiative (TTI). Freek’s work sits at the intersection of physics, mathematics, and computer science – and he effectively aims to move ideas from one domain to another. Through the study of quantum tensor network states, he explores which quantum systems can be examined using a classical computer and which require quantum computation. This research is relevant for both quantum algorithm design and the development of classical algorithms for quantum systems. We spoke further with Freek about his interdisciplinary research into quantum computing algorithms and the importance of pairing the theoretical with the practical.

From Freek’s perspective, one of the most important applications of quantum computers is the simulation of complex quantum systems, such as molecules and materials, where quantum effects are significant. A key aspect of his research is developing algorithms that make these simulations more effective. “Current quantum computers are not yet outperforming classical computers, except in very exceptional cases,” says Freek, “But quantum computers are already influencing the current understanding of quantum physics by offering us an alternative computational perspective on quantum states.” Freek goes on to explain that it’s important to understand the difference between states that can be efficiently described on a classical computer and states that require a quantum computer. His work on tensor network states helps build that understanding.

Designing the conditions to simulate complex quantum systems

Quantum computing originated from very theoretical, almost philosophical, ideas. Modern practices are focusing more heavily on quantum applications in real-world scenarios. Freek plans to continue to bridge these two sides.

Pairing the theoretical, philosophical and the practical

“We are now living in an exciting time where the field is transitioning to large-scale engineering and is trying to realise useful applications. One of the aspects of quantum computing that I find very attractive is the combination of fundamental physics and deep theoretical ideas with very concrete challenges and applications.”

Freek also firmly believed that both theoretical concepts and the rigorous analysis of algorithms will be equally essential in guiding the future development of quantum computing and quantum algorithms.

Looking ahead

In addition to his research, Freek will begin teaching in the Master’s programme in Quantum Computer Science at the University of Amsterdam.  “I really enjoy teaching, and I look forward to educating the future generation of quantum scientists and software engineers.”

QDNL’s TTI programme is designed to support and accelerate the careers of exceptional early-stage quantum professionals in the Netherlands. The Top Talent Initiative helps promising researchers and innovators grow their impact, expand their networks, and contribute to the Dutch quantum ecosystem. Each selected talent receives funding, mentorship, and visibility within the national and international quantum community.

About the Top Talent Initiative

Marike Boertien

Freek Witteveen selected for QDNL’s Top Talent Initiative

As part of QDNL’s Visitor’s Programme, Ziyan Zhang, a PhD researcher from the University of Amsterdam, visited both Telefónica and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). During the exchange, he explored how programmable quantum network protocols perform in realistic conditions.Specifically, he worked closely with both researchers and engineers using the quantum network emulator, Enreditto.  Together, they explored its potential to evaluate quantum position-verification protocols and how factors such as timing uncertainty, synchronisation errors, device limitations, and control-plane latency influence protocol performance. The visit also provided valuable insight into the hardware and software limitations that could affect protocol performance and deployment in future quantum networks.

Refining research through practical insight

Working with the team in Madrid on more practical applications opened a new line of thought for Ziyan, prompting him to refine assumptions made in his previous theoretical research.

“Part of my purpose for this visit was to strengthen the connection between my PhD research on programmable quantum networks, and practical quantum networking systems. Since much of my previous work has been theoretical or simulation-based, it was especially valuable to discuss ideas with researchers and engineers who already work directly with real quantum networking hardware and experimental platforms.”

Extending network collaboration

Ziyan’s visit helped him establish new connections with researchers and engineers from Telefónica and UC3M, bringing together expertise from both academic and industry perspectives - something those involved on both sides wish to continue. “We already have plans to continue the collaboration in three ways: further developing the emulator, refining the quantum position verification use case, and preparing a journal publication based on the work conducted during the visit,” adds Ziyan.The QDNL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.

Nathalie Thielen

Visitor's Programme Spotlight: PhD researcher Ziyan Zhang bridges quantum networking theory and practice

As part of the QDNL Visitor’s Programme, Simon Höfer, a PhD candidate at the Université Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire d’Informatique de Grenoble (LIG), visited the University of Amsterdam. The purpose of his five-month-long visit was to collaborate with Florian Speelman on research into non-local quantum computation (NLQC), a key area for quantum position verification (QPV) and quantum cryptography. Their joint work explored the amount of entanglement required to perform distributed quantum operations and how this varied based on the type of quantum operation performed.During the visit, the pair developed new theoretical results that compare the complexity of different NLQC tasks. Their findings, which will appear in the upcoming paper, “Equivalence of non-local computation tasks beyond Clifford operations”, show that all single-qubit f-measure protocols have essentially equivalent entanglement costs.The collaboration also revealed that certain multi-qubit non-Clifford operations can be implemented nearly as efficiently as simpler quantum operations in this setting. The findings will help extend our understanding of the fundamental limits of quantum cryptography and could inform the design of future quantum communication protocols.Beyond the research, Simon also met with Llorenç Escolà Farràs, a leading researcher in quantum position verification. The visit and collaborations helped strengthen connections among experts working in this emerging field.The QDNL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.

QDNL Visitor’s Programme Spotlight: Simon Höfer explores efficient NLQC implementations

We’ve recently expanded our team! We are honoured to introduce Cristina Cerioni, programme manager for Quantum Communications Infrastructure (QCI) and our catalyst programme in quantum communications (CAT-2), and Yanelle Stolwijk, senior policy advisor.

Throughout Cristina Cerioni’s expansive career, she has managed international programmes in diverse technology-driven environments, including space and security. Her experience also includes managing projects within academic and EU institutions. Cristina’s role at QDNL allows her to bring her vast international experience to the evolving field of quantum-secure communications and to contribute to Europe’s leadership in QCI.Professionally, she identifies as both an international programme manager and an executive holistic coach. Both of her career passions connect to her aspirations to build and maintain strong connections with people and companies in the Dutch quantum ecosystem. In particular, she explains that her interest in working in the quantum physics space stems from its connection between the scientific and the philosophical, including the potential to explain why and how we are all interconnected.

Advancing ecosystem connections

“I have always been fascinated by the connections that unite people, organisations, and ecosystems. Joining QDNL is an exciting opportunity to learn from the quantum community and contribute to a field that challenges us to think differently about innovation, collaboration, and our shared future."

Identifying strategic opportunities

Formerly a strategic advisor on quantum technology for the Dutch Ministry of Defence, and a graduate of both Radboud University and TU/e, Yanelle Stolwijk brings a merged technical and policy background in cryptology, quantum computing and quantum communication to her role at QDNL.Working with the strategy team, she is focused on identifying strategic opportunities and designing procedures that empower the Dutch quantum ecosystem, enable stronger national and international collaborations, and secure sustainable economic growth.

“QDNL is evolving and refocusing its role with the greater Dutch and European quantum ecosystems. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to shaping both the strategic position of QDNL and its work, and the future of the quantum ecosystem as a whole."

Both Cristina and Yanelle’s work within QDNL contributes meaningfully to our next phase of growth, and we are excited to welcome them both to our team.We’re hiring! QDNL is recruiting additional roles within its core team.

QDNL welcomes two new hires

We’re pleased to announce the most recent addition to our Top Talent Initiative (TTI) programme: Talieh Ghiasi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Quantum Nanoscience at TU Delft.In her <a href="https://quspinlab.tudelft.nl/">QuSpin Lab</a>, she investigates and controls the interplay between charge, spin, magnetism, topology, and superconductivity at the quantum limit in nanoscale devices. By combining these effects, her team aims to develop quantum spintronic circuits with novel functionalities, useful for future low-power advanced operations and computing.  We spoke with Talieh about her approach to spintronics and how her research led her to the recognition in our Top Talent Initiative.

New quantum devices with novel spin-related functionalities

Talieh’s research focuses on developing new quantum devices with novel spin-related functionalities, based on graphene and atomically thin magnetic materials.“In spintronic devices, we typically use the quantum mechanical property of electrons, called spin, to transfer information”, she explains. “With this new generation of quantum spintronic devices, we aim to control the spin of electrons at the ultimate limits of confinement, corresponding to two, one, and zero dimensions.”When asked to explain further, she highlights the goal of creating electrically controlled quantum building blocks. These include spin filters, quantum dots, and spin readout elements that could contribute to future spin-based quantum technologies.

Putting her unique “spin” on upcoming projects

For Talieh, it’s essential not to treat quantum materials as passive systems. Instead, she and her team actively design and tailor their properties by stacking different atomically thin layers. This approach gives rise to novel phenomena, advanced functionalities, and new quantum-device concepts that are difficult to realise with conventional material platforms.

Making a lasting impact in the quantum ecosystem

Talieh hopes her work will expand the platform for quantum hardware. She notes that many of today&#039;s spin-qubit technologies rely on established semiconductor platforms, such as silicon or germanium. Her work, on the other hand, explores a complementary route based on 2D materials.“In the short term, we aim to demonstrate and benchmark 2D material heterostructures as quantum-device building blocks. We do this by developing graphene-based spin-selective channels, gate-defined quantum dots, and electrical methods to read out spin states. Establishing both the capabilities and limitations of such a novel material platform will be valuable for the broader quantum community.”In the longer term, she points out, this research could contribute to more energy-efficient quantum spintronic technologies. It could also strengthen connections within the Dutch quantum ecosystem by uniting expertise in materials, spintronics, nanofabrication, and qubit physics.

Talieh’s motivation comes from the idea of creating quantum functionality by design. She compares atomically thin materials to a “quantum Lego system.”

Rethinking materials with a “functionality by design” principle

“By stacking different layers, we can make electrons experience magnetism, spin-orbit coupling, superconductivity, or topology in a controlled way. This setup gives us a powerful playground to discover new physics and, potentially, new device concepts.”

Through her work, she highlights the need to improve existing platforms and asks if entirely new material systems might offer distinct advantages and unexplored opportunities. She hopes to bridge fundamental quantum spintronics research and future quantum technologies.

QDNL’s TTI programme is designed to support and accelerate the careers of exceptional early-stage quantum professionals in the Netherlands. The Top Talent Initiative helps promising researchers and innovators grow their impact, expand their networks, and contribute to the Dutch quantum ecosystem. Each selected talent receives funding, mentorship, and visibility within the national and international quantum community. This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.

Talieh Ghiasi selected for QDNL’s Top Talent Initiative

Results from the Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge in Life Sciences and Health

QDNL is pleased to showcase the first projects to receive funding under its Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge programme. The programme’s first open call invited applicants to create roadmaps for quantum solutions that will deliver real end user value in the life sciences and health industries.  In the initial stage, project leaders and partners are asked to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate their R&amp;D approach and the early-stage business opportunity, before investing heavily in R&amp;D. Grant recipients must complete this phase by December 31, 2026.

QDNL’s Quantum Solutions Forward Challenges are designed to enable researchers, industries, and end users to deepen their innovation potential and create value using quantum solutions made for the sectors of those end-users. This first call marks the beginning of a broader ambition to apply a challenge-based model across multiple sectors, ensuring that experts can co-develop ambitious, societally relevant solutions. The following projects are currently underway as part of the inaugural Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge.

A new challenge model that encourages industry collaboration

High failure rates and rising trial complexity have put drug R&amp;D productivity under pressure. A new collaboration between Leiden University (<a href="https://aqa.liacs.nl/">aQa</a> and <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research">LACDR</a>), SURF, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, TNO, CWI, and the University of Amsterdam, unites Dutch expertise in quantum software, generative AI, machine learning, and drug design, to address challenges in R&amp;D productivity and improve drug optimisation processes. While classical generative AI methods can support disease research, the results are often unreliable due to an inefficient ability to explore the astronomically large search space of molecules. Quantum computing may support far more accurate predictive modelling of molecular systems that are hard to compute with classical methods alone. This means that quantum computers could help generate prediction-improving datasets beyond the capabilities of classical computing models.  The proposed study considers both generative AI and machine learning approaches to find the chemically valid and synthesizable candidate molecules that have the potential to disrupt a disease pathway – a method known as Hit Identification. Success with this approach will mean faster drug design, discovery of new molecular families, fewer dead ends in the research phase, and improved credibility of in-silico drug discovery.

Quantum software development through generative AI and machine learning for drug discovery

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, and atherosclerosis is a major underlying condition. QT Sense, a fast-growing startup using quantum sensing to advance drug research, has partnered with the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), an innovative research hospital, to address the rapid progression of cardiovascular disease.  The project proposal indicates that the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease can be better understood through the study of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an unpaired electron that easily chemically reacts1. They are critical, yet poorly understood, factors in the rapid progression of atherosclerosis specifically.  The Cardio-Q project uses diamond-based quantum sensing to dynamically map free radical generation with nanoscale precision, improving the abilities to both predict complications and evaluate cardiovascular drug efficacy.

Cardio-Q: Quantum sensing for cardiovascular diagnosis and drug testing

The QS-BCMAP project focuses on the application of quantum sensing in the field of biomolecular condensates, enabling study of their chemical and structural dynamics at previously unstudied temporal and spatial resolution. The project is led by Leiden University under the direction of principal investigator Alireza Mashaghi and conducted in partnership with QT Sense. Quantum sensing is a non-invasive approach, allowing for real-time monitoring of cell components. Real-time monitoring through sensing offers more precise, reliable results compared to classical methods and has significant implications on understanding cellular organisation and enabling further innovation in disease diagnostics and drug discovery.  If successful, the project will establish the foundation for a larger R&amp;D effort to develop quantum-enabled analytical tools for the life sciences, opening new avenues for precision medicine and pharmaceutical advancement.

QS-BCMAP: Quantum sensing biomolecular condensates for medical and pharmaceutical applications

The Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge highlights the importance of user-centric projects and industry and research collaborations across the life sciences and health industry. Quantum technologies are opening new possibilities in biomedical research, diagnostics, and drug development, but their value must be tested with end users in realistic application contexts.

Advancing Dutch quantum and life science industry collaboration

Want to learn more?

First projects announced in Quantum Solutions Forward Challenge

During Quantum Meets 2026, the Research and Innovation Action Line within the QDNL programme hosted a pitch competition. Attendees and judges heard from six emerging voices in quantum innovation, showcasing their work across quantum computing, quantum networking and quantum sensing.Ultimately, Elisa Pioldi, a PhD student in post-quantum cryptography at the Eindhoven University of Technology, delivered the winning pitch – wowing both the judges and fellow researchers with her comprehensive research, confidence and professionalism.Following her successful pitch, we asked Elisa about her research and the value of pitching in competitions like these.  Could you describe your research in your own words and what led you to this field of study?Many of today&#039;s building blocks for secure communication methods, commonly known as &quot;cryptography&quot;, are based on mathematical problems that are labelled as &quot;hard&quot;. This means that even supercomputers would take millennia to solve them.The advent of quantum computers, which are expected to solve these hard problems quickly, poses a threat to the privacy and security currently ensured by classical cryptography. If quantum computers can solve the hard problems on which classical cryptography relies, then the building blocks of secure communication are compromised.This is where my research comes in: we have to change the way we do cryptography. We need to base it on problems that are considered &quot;hard&quot; even for quantum computers. This is what is called &quot;post-quantum cryptography&quot;, which is resistant to attacks from quantum computers.In particular, I focus on &quot;protocols&quot;, which are not just these building blocks, but also the complex interactions between them and the different actors involved.

"It was love at first sight with cryptography. I have always enjoyed solving puzzles and enigmas, as well as reading and writing mystery stories. Cryptography is the perfect intersection of these interests with mathematics and computer security."

How many times have you pitched your work to an audience, and what is something you have learned from the pitch process?I have spoken about my research many times, but this was the first time I had to &quot;pitch&quot; it.However, I adopted the same process I do with all presentations. I don&#039;t try to explain everything, but I try to help my audience understand everything I say (and enjoy it in the process!). To do this successfully, I usually adopt a narrative style, like telling a story, and enrich it with graphics and animations.

"When doing this kind of outreach, where the audience is broad (rather than being highly technical), I imagine explaining my work to my parents, who do not have a mathematical or technical background. If they can understand my pitch, then I know I am doing it right."

I am always excited to talk about my research, especially when I feel it could have an impact on the people listening. Every speaking opportunity is a chance to enrich someone&#039;s knowledge about what I do and what I am passionate about, and I always try to convey my enthusiasm through the way I speak.What do you see as the value of these types of pitch “competitions”?Researchers often focus mainly on the technical details of their work when giving talks, assuming that the audience already has the necessary background. Therefore, they spend little time on the broader context.Competitions encourage researchers to rethink this approach. In particular, pitch competitions with a broad audience push contestants to explain the context and importance of their research, rather than simply presenting the latest technical results.Science needs to be communicated beyond the research community in order to grow and have a broader impact. Making it accessible to people outside the field is just as important as sharing it with experts. QDNL is pleased to support programmes that encourage ongoing dialogue and open new opportunities for both emerging and established researchers.

PhD student Elisa Pioldi wins pitch competition at Quantum Meets 2026

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