{"id":41925,"date":"2025-09-22T17:09:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T15:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uni.lu\/fstm-en\/?post_type=news&p=41925"},"modified":"2025-09-30T11:53:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T09:53:51","slug":"is-luxembourg-ready-to-harness-the-power-of-quantum-computing","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.uni.lu\/fstm-en\/news\/is-luxembourg-ready-to-harness-the-power-of-quantum-computing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Luxembourg ready to harness the power of quantum computing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Quantum computers are not just the next generation of computer, they are a revolution in how we think about computation itself.
Imagine a machine capable of exploring countless possibilities at once, tackling problems that would take classical computers billions of years. To understand how these technologies could reshape our world, experts from government, academia, and industry came together at the latest Quantum Breakfast.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussions in the series of Quantum Breakfasts so far have ranged from quantum algorithms to quantum communications. This latest session put the spotlight on the opportunities, challenges, and real-world applications of quantum computing in Luxembourg.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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\nReal-world impact in environment and medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consider nitrogen fertiliser production. Today, making fertiliser consumes roughly 2% of the world\u2019s energy. In nature, certain bacteria produce nitrogen naturally. Replicating this process could make fertiliser production far more sustainable.  However, simulating such complex chemistry on a classical computer would require a machine the size of a solar system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantum computing offers a way forward. By harnessing superposition, quantum machines can explore many possibilities at once, making it possible to model these biological systems and tackle other complex challenges more efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \u201f<\/span>\n Travelling from South Africa to Spain by car is possible, but slow. A \u201cquantum ship\u201d might not go faster, but it finds a shortcut. Similarly, quantum computers do not replace classical machines, they create new pathways to solutions that were previously unreachable.\u201d\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Thomas Scherer<\/p>\n\n\n

Cloud architect & machine learning specialist at Google<\/p>\n\n

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The potential of quantum computing goes far beyond fertilisers. In medicine, it could help predict how drugs interact with their targets, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes. In energy and materials science, it may accelerate the development of new batteries and alternative energy sources by modelling complex compounds such as lithium nickel oxide. And in industry, quantum machines could optimise operations across manufacturing, retail, and other sectors, solving challenges that classical computers cannot. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\nBridging research and industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This potential depends on strong collaboration. In Luxembourg, the ecosystem grows stronger because academia, industry, and government work closely together. Thomas Scherer, cloud architect & machine learning specialist at Google, underlined that this collaboration has to run both ways: companies rely on research for breakthroughs, while researchers need industry to test their ideas outside the lab.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This back-and-forth is what makes the difference. By fostering these connections, Luxembourg is creating an environment where research and industry meet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \u201f<\/span>\n Our strength isn’t just the technology, it’s connecting academia, government, and industry. This synergy allows us to turn theoretical potential into practical solutions.\u201d\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Dr. Adolfo del Campo<\/p>\n\n\n

Professor in theoretical condensed matter physics, University of Luxembourg <\/p>\n\n

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\nBuilding a quantum-ready Luxembourg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the Quantum Breakfast, Andreea Monat<\/a>, Acting Secretary General at FNR made a simple but important point: being ready for quantum computing isn\u2019t just about understanding the machines. It\u2019s about weaving quantum into Luxembourg\u2019s broader tech ecosystem, alongside AI and data, and making sure it serves society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That starts with people, including students and younger generations. Philippe Hiligsmann<\/a>, Vice Rector at the University of Luxembourg, noted that the HPC master\u2019s<\/a> programme already covers quantum computing, with plans to expand the training even further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talent is also key. The country\u2019s ability to attract researchers from around the world further strengthens the ecosystem, helping to connect academic knowledge with real-world projects. At the same time, participation in European initiatives such as EuroHPC and the Quantum Flagship gives the country access to shared infrastructure and research networks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the discussion highlighted the importance of regulation, standardisation, and ethical frameworks. These elements help researchers, industry, and policymakers navigate the unknowns and ensure interoperability.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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