Quantum Technology in Focus as Minister Visits SDU
How will quantum technologies affect Danish society, critical infrastructure and decision-making – and what should Denmark be doing now to prepare? These questions were at the centre of discussions when Minister of Business and Competitiveness Martin Lidegaard visited the University of Southern Denmark for a business event hosted by the Centre for Quantum Mathematics (QM) and DeiC.
“Quantum is extremely important and delivers in so many ways. Just as electricity once changed our lives, quantum will too. It is just as fundamental because it changes the way we live and work,” says Minister Martin Lidegaard.
In his speech, the Minister addressed the growing importance of quantum technology for Denmark and the need to turn scientific advances into opportunities for society, industry and security.
The event brought together researchers, industry representatives, decision-makers and young quantum researchers - and also marked the conclusion of two weeks of the Niels Bohr Quantum Summer School in Odense.
When research meets industry
Quantum technology is developing rapidly, but scientific progress does not happen independently of the world around it. Geopolitical interests, security concerns and international competition increasingly influence how new technologies are developed and shared.
This formed the backdrop for the event’s panel discussions.
How can open research and international collaboration be maintained while addressing growing security concerns? Where should science and industry work closely together? And what political frameworks are needed to support international cooperation?
The panel brought different perspectives to the discussion. It was argued that openness remains essential to the development of quantum technology, warning that becoming too restrictive could leave countries behind in development.
Two weeks of quantum science and new connections
The business event also brought the Niels Bohr Quantum Summer School to a close after two weeks of lectures, discussions and networking. Around 70 PhD students from across the world gathered at SDU in Odense to learn from leading researchers and exchange ideas with peers working across different areas of quantum science.
The students were also expected to contribute actively to the summer school by taking part in a poster challenge. Divided into nine groups, they worked on an open question in quantum science and presented their proposed solutions. The winners of the challenge were announced on the final day of the summer school, just before the business event.Picture
“It has been so great being part of the summer school, getting to know so many fantastic people and listening to so many brilliant lectures. The atmosphere and dedication have been amazing, and I am so proud to have won the poster challenge. I’ve just had such a wonderful time here,” says PhD student Yassir El Moutaoukal.
Why the industry is so important
The summer school was also about more than science. An important part of the programme was creating connections across universities, countries and research fields - relationships that can support future research and collaboration.
“It is amazing to see so many dedicated people here at the business event. It matches our overall mission: to revolutionize the quantum field. The best way to do that is to bring industry and top-class quantum research closer together. And it is already happening, not least with SDU’s DKK 50 million investment in the Centre for Quantum Mathematics,” says Professor and Centre Director Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen.
With the final discussions concluded, the students now return to universities and research environments around the world - taking new knowledge, perspectives and connections from with them.