May meeting 2025

With WACQT’s mission to strengthen Sweden’s expertise in quantum technology, the annual review meeting serves as a vital forum for knowledge exchange. This year, over 170 participants attended. A key component of the event is the scientific review conducted by WACQT’s Scientific Advisory Board, chaired by Steve Girvin from Yale University. The board provides guidance to ensure the research maintains the highest standards and that strategic decisions are made to advance WACQT’s goals. 

The review meeting offered a comprehensive overview and updates on ongoing projects across WACQT’s research areas. These areas are closely interconnected and complement each other to build a robust Swedish quantum technology ecosystem, encompassing both software and algorithms. The core project aims to develop and operate a 100-qubit quantum computer. A replica will soon be available to Swedish companies and researchers through the WACQT Quantum Technology Testbed, managed by Chalmers Next Labs. The goal is to raise competence and ensure the technology is practically applicable. 

Mårten Skogh, Chalmers Next Labs:

"We're about to receive the crown jewel of the Testbed — a 25-qubit chip developed by WACQT’s Core Team. With the chip in place, the Testbed will be nearly fully equipped, and we're now looking forward to making the technology available to more users."  

Ericsson is one of WACQT partners. Eva Granbom is also member of the board: 

“During these three days, we had the opportunity to share results and exchange challenges with other researchers, companies, and students engaged in WACQT. My main takeaway is the impressive amount of work the centre is doing in the field of quantum technologies and the engaging discussions we had. 

At Ericsson, we are very excited about our two new PostDoc positions. One is at Chalmers, focusing on Distributed Quantum Computing, and the other is at KTH, concentrating on Hybrid Quantum-Classical Systems, both sponsored by WACQT. These positions will allow us to gain critical knowledge for integrating quantum computing with traditional telecom computing, which is essential for next generation.” 

Leadership change 

At the meeting, Per Delsing and Lena Gustavsson were thanked. Per, who has led WACQT since 2018, handed over the role of Director to Göran Johansson at the turn of the year. Lena Gustafsson, Chair of the Board since the beginning, will step down in July, passing the role to Pontus de Laval from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Pontus has been a board member since the start. 

Both Per and Lena have played crucial roles in shaping and leading WACQT. A sincere thank you was extended to them for their unwavering dedication and for their significant contributions to the success of WACQT.

Per Delsing:

“Thank you for all your hard work and for making WACQT a success. With Göran Johansson as the new Director, WACQT is in good hands."

Lena Gustafsson:

“When I see all these researchers gathered at the annual conference, my thoughts go back seven years to the start of WACQT on January 1, 2018. The development is impressive both quantitatively and qualitatively. The research presented is of very high quality across the entire quantum technology area, but in addition, an ecosystem has emerged that promotes both research and innovation. Research collaboration is internationally extensive and collaboration with industry and the public sector is developing in various forms. WACQT is working to make Sweden "quantum-ready", where education is of course central. I myself look back on incredibly exciting and fantastic years with WACQT and now hand over the chairmanship with great confidence and joy to Pontus de Laval. I wish him and the entire WACQT continued success!” 

Pontus de Laval: 

"I am honoured to take up the position of chairman of WACQT following Lena Gustafsson. Lena's leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission, and I will strive to follow in her footsteps, driving innovation and excellence in quantum technology."  

A sincere thank you to all participants for their engagement and valuable discussions!