Austria joins European Declaration on Quantum Technologies

Austria has joined the European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, which facilitates strategic collaboration among EU member states to advance quantum technologies. The declaration received endorsement from the Austrian Ministries of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF), Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), and Labour and Economy (BMAW), highlighting its significant impact on Austria's research and innovation landscape.

Originally initiated by the European Commission in late 2023 under the Spanish Council Presidency, the declaration initially received support from eleven Member States. As of 24 July 2024, eighteen countries have joined the initiative.

The declaration commits EU Member States to collaborate in developing a world-leading European quantum technology ecosystem. Objectives include strengthening Europe's position in quantum technology advancements, ensuring European sovereignty and security, and promoting innovation along with job creation.

To further support the commercialisation of quantum technologies, the Austrian National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development, on the proposal of the federal government, has allocated funds from the Future Austria Fund (Fonds Zukunft Österreich). With a total of €8 million, Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) will set up a quantum initiative to facilitate the transition of quantum technology from research to market. This initiative also aims to enhance networking among key players and raise awareness through the creation of a "virtual quantum hub."

aws and FFG will finalise the programme during the coming weeks. The programme is scheduled to open for submissions in autumn 2024.