The Swedish Research Council has presented its recommendations to the government on which strategic research areas should receive funding in the coming years. Among the selected proposals, Chalmers University of Technology is set to lead a new research initiative in quantum technology – while also partnering up with Lund University in the strategic research area of advanced materials and semiconductor technology.
Under the proposal, Chalmers would receive SEK 30 million in 2027 and SEK 60 million in 2028 to establish the new research area quantum technology, in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University.
The initiative marks a clear recognition of Sweden’s strong position in quantum research, where Chalmers has long been a leading player – particularly through the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), established in 2018. Within this programme, Sweden’s largest quantum computer is currently being developed, with the goal of reaching 100 qubits by 2030.
“It is very encouraging that the government is now investing in quantum technology for the first time. This provides a stable, long-term foundation for further strengthening excellent research environments in the field,” says Göran Johansson, Director of WACQT at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience and leader of the proposed research area.
He also highlights the breadth of the initiative:
“Quantum technology spans multiple departments at Chalmers, from Microtechnology and Nanoscience to Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics. It also strengthens our collaboration with Lund University and KTH.”
The Chalmers-led initiative is one of two proposed within quantum technology. The other consortium is led by Stockholm University in collaboration with Linköping University and Umeå University. Together, the two initiatives are proposed to receive a total of SEK 50 million in 2027 and SEK 100 million in 2028.
“We see strong potential for collaboration between the consortia and will begin those discussions right away,” Göran Johansson adds.
Chalmers is also involved in a proposed initiative in advanced materials together with Lund University. The project focuses on semiconductors and intelligent materials linked to the energy transition and future IT technologies, and is proposed to receive SEK 7.4 million in 2027 and SEK 15.1 million in 2028.
“It is highly encouraging that advanced materials are now recognised nationally as a strategic area, essential for future energy, IT, and quantum technology development. The alliance strengthens Chalmers' advanced materials research, deepens our collaboration with Lund, and reinforces our ties to MAX IV and ESS. We also see strong synergies with the strategic research area of quantum technologies, and it is especially significant that Chalmers hosts two new major strategic initiatives," says Thilo Bauch who is a contributing partner in the project together with Saroj Dash, Samuel Lara Avila, Floriana Lombardi and Janine Splettstoesser from the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Julia Wiktor from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Armi Tiihonen from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Chalmers.
“We have established a strong collaboration with Chalmers, where our expertise complements each other very well,” says Lars-Erik Wernersson, Professor of Nanoelectronics at Lund University, in a statement published on Lund University’s website.
In total, the Swedish Research Council has recommended funding for 16 of 49 applications across eight strategic research areas. The final funding decisions will be made by the government.