Giovanna Sammarco Tancredi new Co-Director

Giovanna is a Senior Researcher at Chalmers and a leading figure in Sweden’s quantum computing efforts. She earned her PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London, and conducted postdoctoral research at Oxford, working with Dr. Peter Leek on scaling quantum bits.  Since joining Chalmers in 2018, she has played a central role in developing Sweden’s 100-qubit quantum processor. She also co-founded SCALINQ, a company focused on cryogenic hardware for quantum technologies. 

What does the role involve and what are your expectations for this role, and what do you believe you can contribute to WACQT’s continued success? 

–  Taking on the role of Co-Director of WACQT is both an honor and a responsibility. The role involves strategic leadership, coordination across research areas, and representing WACQT in both national and international arenas. As Co-Director, I expect to contribute by fostering  interdisciplinary collaboration within WACQT, strengthening our connections with industry and international partners, and ensuring that our research remains both ambitious and focused on real-world impact. 

WACQT is now in its eighth year. What benefits and results has WACQT achieved so far? 

–  Within the core project, we have built a scalable superconducting quantum computing processor, steadily progressing toward our 100-qubit goal. We have also ensured that our partner companies will have access to our processor with setting up the WACQT Quantum Technology Testbed.

WACQT has also trained a new generation of quantum engineers and scientists in Sweden, creating a vibrant research community and a skilled workforce that is already contributing to both academia and industry. Furthermore, through collaboration with companies and the launch of spin-offs, we are now witnessing how academic innovation can translate into commercial value, which is a key measure of success for any applied research initiative. 

What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead? And how do you see yourself complementing Göran Johansson as Director? 

–  As we move closer to our long-term goals, the challenges become more complex. Within the core project, scaling up quantum processors while maintaining coherence and control fidelity is technically demanding. At the same time, coordinating efforts across hardware, software, and theory requires strong systems thinking and efficient project management. Regarding opportunities, I believe that we should leverage the WACQT ecosystem to put Sweden at the forefront of quantum technology in Europe. 

I bring a hardware-centric perspective with years of experience in device development and experimental challenges, thus complementing Göran’s deep theoretical expertise and strategic vision. I believe that our combined experience will ensure that WACQT maintains scientific excellence while advancing toward scalable and usable quantum technologies. 

What are the most important steps that remain for WACQT to reach its long-term goals? How do you and the team plan to get there? 

–  Reaching our long-term goals will require a coordinated effort across multiple fronts. On the technical side, we must continue improving qubit performance, increase system integration, and advance our error mitigation and characterization techniques. It will also be essential to develop robust software tools and user interfaces to ensure that our quantum processors can be accessed and utilized effectively. 

Equally important is building and retaining a strong, multidisciplinary team. We need to continue attracting top talent, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring that our work remains aligned with both scientific curiosity and real-world applications.