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Join the Quantum revolution

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.

Article

Articles

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

The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in collaboration with QDNL and Leiden University, has released a new vision paper titled &quot;From Quantum Enthusiasm to Quantum Engagement.&quot; The paper contends that as quantum technologies approach practical use, communication should shift from merely generating awareness to actively building public trust, fostering dialogue, and enabling meaningful engagement. Led by Dr. ir. Julia Cramer, head of the Quantum and Society group, the jointly authored paper reflects on the importance of interweaving doing science communication with researching it for maximum impact and responsibility. The publication addresses essential questions: What exactly are we communicating about quantum technologies, and, more importantly, why? Are communications intended to boost hype, or are they fostering public understanding and developing a workforce that can sustain the future quantum ecosystem? “If we believe quantum technologies have the potential to transform encryption, influence geopolitics and revolutionise medicine, then we also have a responsibility to engage society while the technology is still shapeable,” the authors write. Diederick Croese, director of the Centre for Quantum and Society, highlighted the strategic contribution of this initiative as it represents a step towards priming societal readiness and giving it the same rigour as technological readiness.

“Communicating the close connection between quantum innovation and its societal impact makes it more accessible to a broad audience. We want people to have the tools to understand both how the technology works and, on a deeper level, why it matters.”

Rather than relying on the traditional “deficit model” of science communication—which assumes that public scepticism stems from a lack of knowledge and can be addressed by providing more information—the paper argues for an evidence-based, participatory approach. Research shows that increasing scientific literacy alone does not necessarily build trust or public support.Instead, the authors call for communication that enables genuine dialogue. The public does not simply need an explanation of quantum physics. People need opportunities to discuss how quantum technologies affect society and to feel genuinely included in these conversations.The paper also stresses the value of expertise beyond the natural sciences. Insights from communication science, anthropology, philosophy, social sciences, and the arts can help create approaches that resonate widely and support responsible innovation.

Building towards public engagement

The vision paper proposes three core approaches for making communication around QS&amp;T more effective in driving public engagement:<ul><li>A shared language: developing communication that moves beyond technical jargon towards a model based on trust, agency and shared inquiry, enabling more people to participate in democratic discussions about quantum technologies. </li><li>Strategic thinking: designing communication with clearly defined objectives, tailored to different audiences, and evaluating success from the perspective of public engagement rather than expert expectations alone.</li><li>Evaluating outcomes: measuring the impact of communication activities not only through knowledge acquisition but also through changes in trust, attitudes, interest and people’s sense of agency.</li></ul>The authors emphasise that communication activities should be evidence-based, build on previous experience, and be rigorously evaluated to understand what works in practice.As quantum technologies continue to mature, the authors conclude that communication should be recognised as an essential component of responsible innovation. Building public trust and creating opportunities for meaningful societal dialogue will be as important to the future of quantum as scientific and technological advances themselves.

Three pillars for communicating quantum science and technology

Vania López

Successfully communicating quantum: from enthusiasm to engagement

This is a press announcement from Q*Bird.Q*Bird today announced the launch of the Falqon® Key Manager, a standalone quantum key management system designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure networks.As organisations prepare for the quantum era, the challenge is no longer limited to generating quantum secure cryptographic keys. While Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as one of the most promising technologies for securing sensitive communications, organisations are increasingly focused on how to operationalise and scale quantum secure communications across distributed infrastructures. Quantum secure migration initiatives are accelerating globally, driven by emerging national and international cybersecurity strategies and growing requirements for quantum security across government, critical infrastructure and highly regulated environments.Government agencies, defence organisations, telecom operators and critical infrastructure providers require secure communications across diverse operational environments. These environments include cloud, operational technology networks, remote facilities, edge locations and distributed infrastructure environments. While Q*Bird&#039;s scalable MDI-QKD (Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution) architectures provide the foundation for securing mission-critical communications and multipoint-to-multipoint quantum secure networks, organisations may also operate across environments where direct QKD deployment is not always practical or available, including cloud environments and third-party infrastructures.As quantum secure communication infrastructures scale across multiple sites and network environments, organisations require the ability to securely manage, distribute and deliver Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) keys, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures. This requires an operational key management layer capable of bridging QKD and non-QKD environments while delivering crypto agility, resilience, and scalable hybrid quantum secure networking.From quantum links to quantum secure networksThe Falqon® Key Manager is a standalone Quantum Key Management System (QKMS) designed to enable scalable, interoperable and hybrid quantum secure network deployments. By combining QKD, PQC and PKI-based key distribution methods within a unified key management architecture, the Falqon® Key Manager natively supports the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed network infrastructures. This enables organisations to build resilient quantum secure communication infrastructures that leverage both quantum and classical quantum-resistant technologies.

Acting as the secure layer between key generation technologies and consuming applications, the Falqon® Key Manager enables organisations to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. It bridges QKD and non-QKD environments, extends quantum secure network beyond QKD-enabled locations and enables hybrid key deployments, trusted-node architectures, the interconnection of distributed quantum secure infrastructures and the integration of multiple QKD domains within a unified key management architecture. It provides secure key lifecycle management across applications, encryptors and network environments, enabling the operationalisation of quantum secure network at scale.“QKD and PQC are not competing technologies. They solve different problems and will increasingly operate together. Organisations need a secure way to combine these technologies within a unified architecture while securely managing cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures. That capability becomes increasingly important as quantum secure networks scale. That is exactly what the Falqon® Key Manager is designed to do,” said Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Q*Bird.Enabling hybrid quantum secure networkingThe Falqon® Key Manager is designed to address evolving integration requirements across quantum networking ecosystems, reducing operational complexity associated with fragmented key infrastructures, duplicated integrations and vendor lock-in. It delivers a standards-based and multi-vendor environment while enabling organisations to evolve their quantum secure infrastructure over time.Dr. Joshua Slater, CTO at Q*Bird added, “The industry has spent years proving that QKD works. The next challenge is scale. Organisations need to secure cloud environments, edge locations, operational technology networks and critical infrastructure sites where QKD cannot always be deployed directly. At the same time, they need to combine QKD, Post-Quantum Cryptography and PKI-based key distribution methods within a crypto-agile and resilient operational architecture.”Advancing Q*Bird’s vision for quantum secure infrastructureThe launch represents an important milestone in Q*Bird’s broader vision of delivering the infrastructure required for scalable quantum secure communications. The Falqon® Key Manager expands Q*Bird’s portfolio beyond quantum key generation and network orchestration by introducing the standalone operational key management layer required for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.“As organisations move from pilot deployments towards operational quantum secure networks, they require more than key generation technologies. They need infrastructure that can securely manage cryptographic keys across distributed environments, support hybrid deployments, enable crypto agility and resilience and scale across entire organisations. The Falqon® Key Manager provides that foundation,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Q*Bird.The launch reflects a broader industry shift where operational deployment, interoperability and scalability across diverse network environments have become key requirements for quantum secure networking.“Government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure operators are already preparing for the transition to quantum secure communications. The challenge is no longer whether quantum secure communications are possible, but how to deploy them at scale. The Falqon® Key Manager accelerate that transition by enabling scalable hybrid quantum secure networks across distributed infrastructures,” shares Dr. Ingrid Romijn, CEO and Co-Founder at Q*Bird.Built for security-critical environmentsThe Falqon® Key Manager is designed for security sensitive environments, including government, defence, telecom and critical infrastructure deployments. Security sensitive deployments often require flexible deployment models aligned with operational, compliance and infrastructure requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager can be deployed within Q*Bird’s QKD Nodes, as a separate on-premise KMS device, on customer-provided on-premise servers, or within customer-provided cloud environments.“Organisations require the flexibility to deploy quantum secure infrastructure in a manner aligned with their operational and security requirements. The Falqon® Key Manager was designed to provide secure key lifecycle management across distributed environments while maintaining operational simplicity and resilience,” added Dani van der Meer, Lead Software Engineer at Q*Bird.Building the foundation for scalable quantum secure communicationsTogether with the Falqon® MDI-QKD Series and Quantum Domain Controller (QDC), the Falqon® Key Manager forms part of Q*Bird’s end-to-end quantum secure networking portfolio.The Falqon® QKD Series provides the quantum key generation layer, including Q*Bird’s Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD) systems, while the Falqon® Key Manager delivers the operational key management capabilities required to securely ingest, store, synchronise and deliver cryptographic keys across distributed infrastructures.By bridging QKD and non-QKD environments, enabling the delivery of QKD keys, PQC keys and hybrid keys across distributed infrastructures, the Falqon® Key Manager provides the operational foundation for scalable hybrid quantum secure networks.As quantum networking ecosystems continue to mature, organisations increasingly require infrastructure capable of delivering interoperability, crypto agility and operational resilience across diverse network environments. The Falqon® Key Manager is designed to provide the operational foundation for the next generation of scalable quantum secure communications.

Q*Bird launches the Falqon® Key Manager to enable scalable quantum secure networks

From 19-21 May, we brought together the Dutch and international quantum communities for our annual Quantum Meets event. This year followed a different format from past years. The main event and ecosystem tours brought together members of the quantum community in meaningful ways, building new connections and opening the door to further innovation and collaboration opportunities. More than once, we heard from guests that Quantum Meets offered the unique opportunity for contributors of all types - researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and students - to meet in one space. We are grateful to all hosts, speakers, exhibitors and participants, who brought such immense curiosity, openness and positive energy to Quantum Meets.We are grateful to our speakers, co-hosts, exhibitors and partners, who all contributed significantly in making this week a success. In the months ahead, let’s continue to build on the conversations started at this year’s event, focusing on technological progress and meaningful partnerships. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, and we hope you will save the dates for next year’s event, scheduled for 18-21 May 2027!

Check out images from this year's event!

A recap of Quantum Meets 2026

On 30 March 2026, Qubitrium launched its 1U CubeSat payload (a small satellite about the size of a loaf of bread), QubitCore, into low Earth orbit. The payload rode aboard the SpaceX mission. D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier (a spacecraft that deploys satellites into their final orbits) placed it precisely into orbit.Just weeks later, QubitCore successfully generated its first quantum keys in space.This marked a global first for a CubeSat-scale quantum payload, and a major milestone for Qubitrium.Founded in 2020 by Dr. Kadir Durak, who earned his PhD in atomic/molecular physics at the National University of Singapore, Qubitrium is a deep-tech company specialising in the design and manufacturing of quantum hardware. While the company is headquartered in Turkey, it also has a strong technical presence at HoQ in Delft.​As soon as the technology entered orbit, it earned the right to “space heritage” – a term used across the industry to distinguish technology that has proven operational success in space. With a new designation as space-compatible, the QubitCore became commercially available for satellite operators and telecommunications providers worldwide.​QubitCore excelled under real orbital conditions. It demonstrated thermal stability, operating flawlessly over a temperature range of 0°C to 35°C. The device continuously generated over 500 quantum keys (each 256 bits long) per second. These quantum keys underwent rigorous statistical testing, confirming their randomness according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.While Qubitrium is proud of this success, they understand that this is just the first step in a longer process of advancing quantum-secure internet.“Seeing QubitCore successfully deploy into orbit is the ultimate validation of our deep-tech engineering,&quot; said Dr. Kadir Durak, Founder of Qubitrium. &quot;We have proven that our hardware can withstand the rigours of space and deliver the security the future demands. Our next step is clear: we are scaling up our production capacity and expanding our global partnerships to ensure that quantum-secure infrastructure becomes the global standard.”Read more about Qubitirum and their work here: <a href="https://qubitrium.tech/">https://qubitrium.tech/</a>

Qubitrium launches QubitCore hardware into space

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