Finland, US boost co-op in quantum sector

Finland and the United States on Tuesday signed a statement on cooperation in the quantum sector between the countries, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release on Wednesday.

Ilona Lundström, Director General of the Innovations and Enterprise Financing Department at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, and Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States signed the statement in Washington on behalf of their respective countries where ambassador of Finland to the United States Mikko Hautala was also present.

The joint statement brings together Finnish and American quantum researchers, public officials and company representatives, and promotes research and innovation projects and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

“Quantum technology is one of the revolutionary technologies in which Finland has strong expertise. In order to fully utilise this expertise, we need strong international networks and cooperation,” Lundström said.

In future, quantum technology will play an important role both in the operations of companies and industry and in solving major challenges facing societies, such as climate change. The quantum sector is undergoing rapid development and Finland must be involved in its international development and cooperation.

The signing of the statement is part of Lundström’s visit to Washington, where she will meet authorities, funding organisations and experts responsible for science and technology matters.

The visit lays the foundation for further planning of scientific and technological cooperation between Finland and the US.

The visit includes a meeting with companies concerning Finnish maritime industry and Arctic expertise.