Quantum research opens up perspectives and opportunities for new knowledge and technologies of almost unpredictable scope. Far-reaching leaps in innovation are emerging, and researchers from Austria are at the forefront. In order to generate sustainable economic impetus from the corona crisis, the federal government, under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, is now providing 107 million euros (or a little more than $127 million US) for quantum research and quantum technologies.
Quantum computers that solve certain, highly computationally intensive tasks much faster than classic digital computers; tap-proof communication channels; Measuring instruments of unprecedented precision – quantum technologies promise answers to challenges that cannot currently be found with any other technology. All over the world, researchers are trying with great effort and energy to research possible quantum technologies, to understand the fundamental possibilities of quantum research for the future and to open up their possible uses for science, society and the economy. The race for the coveted know-how and the resulting applications has received new impetus, not least due to considerable public investments. Far-reaching growth prospects are emerging.
From a global perspective, China and the US are currently leading the development of quantum technologies with investments totaling billions of euros. Europe accepts this challenge and is now investing significant sums as well. Embedded in the world’s largest research funding program “Horizon Europe” or in national programs such as the German funding program with a total of two billion euros, quantum research and quantum technologies will be massively supported and expanded in the future.
Better chances in the race for knowledge, technologies and new applications
In a crisis in particular, public investments in research and development are essential in order to prevent Austria’s innovation performance from falling back in a global context. Particularly promising future fields are quantum research and the development of quantum technologies – numerous researchers and companies in Austria are in an excellent starting position here and are already driving research and new applications together with the best in the world. Quantum Austria would like to accelerate this dynamic further. The strategic goal of the funding initiative is to intensify basic research for quantum technologies and to promote the utilization and market launch of highly innovative products and services.
Grandiose ideas and experiments in basic research and years of research policy support from the BMBWF have brought researchers from Austria into a globally recognized position – Quantum Austria is now building on this potential.
Austria applies for funding from the development and resilience fund
Quantum Austria is embedded in the Austrian RTI strategy and supports its objectives from the area of excellent and cooperative research to the expansion of digital infrastructures. The knowledge and skills for researching, developing and using new quantum technologies and their application help to secure the technological sovereignty of Austria and Europe and to increase productivity in the long term. The funding offensive is made possible by grants from the European Resilience and Recovery Facility and carried out by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. In the national implementation, the Research Promotion Agency FFG and the Science Fund FWF work closely
Quantum Austria runs until 2026, submissions possible as early as 2021
The first project submissions will still be possible in 2021 at FFG and FWF. The award takes place within existing and proven funding formats in order to enable a quick and uncomplicated funding decision. A total of three tendering intervals are planned until 2026. The cooperation between FFG and FWF makes it possible to cover the various funding needs in the best possible way – the offer ranges from funding for excellent researchers and their teams at universities to R&D activities by innovative start-ups, companies and industry. Funds are available, for example, to research basic technologies for quantum systems or to set up high-performance laboratories and technical equipment. At the same time, Austria’s capacities in the field of high-performance computing are to be massively expanded. Submissions can be made to the Research Promotion Agency FFG and the Science Fund FWF in several programs / instruments.
Source: FWF
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