Sweden and Singapore to strengthen collaboration in quantum technology

Sweden and Singapore are deepening their partnership in quantum technology through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement brings together leading universities, research institutes, and national initiatives from both countries, with the shared goal of fostering long-term collaboration in research, innovation, and industrial applications of quantum technologies - an area of strategic importance for the future of foundational technologies.

Singapore’s National Quantum Office and 11 Swedish universities and research institutes have committed to promoting collaboration in the field of quantum technology. The Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Ms Ebba Busch, and Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education, Singapore.

The collaboration includes joint development of quantum technologies, academic exchange initiatives, and coordinated research funding calls. Through their respective national quantum programmes, the parties will also strengthen links to industry and create new opportunities for cooperation across the growing quantum ecosystem.

The National Quantum Office (NQO) drives the development and implementation of Singapore’s national quantum strategy, working to advance the nation’s quantum technologies and to develop talent and ecosystems in the field with industry partners. Within NQO, the strategic national-level quantum programmes NQO oversees bring together expertise and resources across Singapore’s leading universities and research institutes.

“We are excited to embark on this collaborative journey with the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP), Vinnova and the Swedish quantum ecosystem,” said Mr Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of NQO. “This marks a significant step forward in our shared mission to drive advancements and development in quantum technologies. Through the increased exchanges and combination of our strengths and expertise, this has translated into concrete collaboration projects with our national-level quantum programmes.”

The Swedish signatories include Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmers Next Labs, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Linköping University, Lund University, Luleå University of Technology, the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP) at Chalmers Industriteknik, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm University, and Uppsala University. The initiative has been established in collaboration with Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency.

Swedish research institutions join forces to drive quantum innovation

By coordinating Sweden’s largest research program in quantum technology, the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), founded by Knut och Alice Wallenbergs (KAW) foundation, Chalmers University of Technology plays a leading national role in the field. Together with partner universities – KTH, Lund University, Stockholm University, Linköping University, and the University of Gothenburg – WACQT conducts pioneering research in quantum computing, superconducting circuits, quantum simulation, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. Chalmers also plays a central role in the construction of Sweden’s first quantum computer and in advancing industrial applications of quantum technologies.

“This agreement opens incredibly exciting opportunities for research exchange and collaboration, enabling us to push the boundaries of quantum technology together. NQO is a national flagship in the field, with several prominent partners and highly ranked institutions in Singapore. I’m very much looking forward to connecting this ecosystem with the quantum research and expertise developed within WACQT,” says Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology.

Led by Chalmers Industriteknik, the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP) works to strengthen Sweden’s innovation system in quantum technology by connecting academia, startups, and industry. QSIP supports commercialization, application development, and international collaboration, helping maintain Sweden’s global competitiveness in the field.

“The significance of this MoU between Swedish and Singaporean stakeholders in Quantum Technology is augmented by the fact that the collaboration spans the width of the entire Swedish Quantum Technology Ecosystem. In discussions with the National Quantum Office, it was agreed with QSIP and Vinnova that it is of paramount importance to have all major Quantum Technology actors, eleven Swedish universities and research institutes, as signatories and partners. This not only allows for a greater bandwidth in the collaboration in particular but also speaks of the characteristic collaborative spirit within Academia and other stakeholders in Sweden in general. We are pleased to observe that several Swedish entities have already initiated cooperative efforts with organizations in Singapore. QSIP is proud to have contributed to the development of this collaboration and looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the National Quantum Office (NQO) in Singapore to explore future opportunities,” says Camilla

Chalmers Next Labs as the research institute within the Chalmers Group serves as a bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that the university’s research results, expertise, and infrastructure are made accessible to society. As part of the WACQT project, Sweden’s largest quantum testbed is now being developed, providing industry stakeholders with access to quantum computing hardware and support in algorithm development – including a quantum helpdesk for companies including a quantum helpdesk for companies runned på Chalmers Nextlab and funded på KAW.

“By linking Singapore’s thriving quantum technology ecosystem with the expertise and infrastructure being developed in Sweden, we are opening up entirely new opportunities to move quantum technology from the laboratory to real-world industrial applications. This is precisely the kind of international collaboration needed to accelerate innovation and ensure that new technologies deliver benefits to more people – faster,” says Monica Ringvik, CEO of Chalmers Next Labs.

KI is one of the world’s leading medical universities, located in Stockholm. Through the Swedish Quantum Life Science Centre (QLSC), KI explores the intersection of quantum technology and life sciences. Research includes quantum sensors for medical diagnostics and quantum computing for modeling complex biological systems, in collaboration with hospitals and tech partners.

“Karolinska Institutet is proud to contribute with our expertise and, together with Swedish universities and organizations, deepen our collaboration with the National Quantum Office in Singapore – a country we have collaborated with for more than 25 years,” says Annika Östman Wernerson, President of Karolinska Institutet.

"Quantum technology opens entirely new possibilities for medical research – from novel sensors that can better visualize tissue changes or the function of organs such as the eye and the brain, to improved modeling and optimization of treatments for complex diseases like cancer or Parkinson’s disease," she says.

At Luleå University of Technology, researchers explore advanced nanomaterials, high-pressure spectroscopy, and quantum and particle physics. The university’s work includes studies of quantum dots, quantum-cutting materials, and high-temperature superconductors, contributing to both fundamental and applied quantum research.

“International collaboration is key to advancing research and innovation in emerging technologies such as quantum technology. Through this agreement, Luleå University of Technology and our partners will not only strengthen scientific exchange but also contribute to solutions that can have a lasting impact on society and industry. The collaboration with Singapore underscores our commitment to global partnerships that drive knowledge and sustainable technological development,” says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology.

With its Quantum in Lund initiative, Lund University has a strong presence in quantum research, uniting expertise in quantum optics, nanotechnology, and topological quantum systems. The university’s research spans both theoretical and experimental physics, supported by major facilities such as NanoLund and the Lund Laser Centre.

“The MoU with National Quantum Office in Singapore underscores the exciting opportunities for international research collaboration in quantum technology, positioning the participating organizations at the forefront of global innovation in this rapidly evolving field,” says Erik Renström, Vice-Chancellor at Lund University.

Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is one of Sweden’s most established institutions and a key player in the national quantum initiative, with expertise in theoretical quantum information, quantum materials, and applied quantum technology.

”Uppsala University’s participation in this Memorandum of Understanding reflects its commitment to advancing quantum research through international collaboration, contributing both theoretical expertise and infrastructure to strengthen Sweden’s position in the global quantum ecosystem,” says Anders Hagfeldt, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University.

KTH is one of Sweden’s largest and most prestigious technical universities, located in Stockholm. It is a key player in Sweden’s quantum research landscape, with strong capabilities in quantum materials, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. KTH is part of national and international collaborations, including the Quantum Technology Hub, and contributes to the development of quantum infrastructure and innovation.

“Quantum technology is developing rapidly, and the collaboration with the National Quantum Office in Singapore will be an important part of KTH's efforts to accelerate the development of new materials, pharmaceuticals, and more efficient energy supply, among other areas,” says Annika Borgenstam, Vice President for Research at KTH.

LiU is known for its interdisciplinary research and innovation. In quantum science, it focuses on foundational aspects such as quantum information theory and quantum communication. LiU is involved in national projects like NQCIS, which aim to develop secure quantum communication infrastructure in Sweden.

“With more than 25 years cooperation with universities in Singapore we now foresee a deepening of our cooperation in the quantum field with the aim to gain both scientific and industrial achievements,” says Jan-Ingvar Jönsson, Vice-Chancellor at Linköpings University.

RISE is Sweden’s state-owned research institute, supporting innovation across sectors. In quantum technology, RISE provides infrastructure, testbeds, and expertise in quantum communication, sensing, and computing. It acts as a bridge between academia and industry, helping companies explore and adopt quantum solutions, and participates in major European quantum initiatives.

“This is an opportunity to join forces and drive development in quantum technologies, strengthening Sweden’s and Europe’s position and ability to stay at the forefront. RISE has extensive experience in this type of international collaboration and looks forward to working within the framework of the agreement,” says Malin Frenning, CEO of RISE.

Stockholm University is a leading player in quantum technology, combining cutting-edge experiments in trapped-ion quantum computing, photonics, quantum communication, encryption, sensing, and processors with pioneering theoretical research in quantum foundations, many-body systems, non-Hermitian physics, topological phases, and novel quantum materials."

Writer: Lovisa Håkansson, Communications Partner at Chalmers University of Technology