French National Quantum Update — September 2023
Executive Summary
Two important facets of the French quantum ecosystem are the focus of September’s French National Quantum Strategy: first, the internationally recognized scientific excellence and, second, the nation’s entrepreneurial ability to forge and nurture collaborations that stretch across borderds. Physicist Claire Berger has been awarded the Chevalier dans L’ordre des Palmes Académiques. Her work is centered in graphene research, which may have exciting implications for the quantum industry. France’s quantum entrepreneurs were busy this month with global collaborations, including Canada and with nations across Europe. Read on for just some of the headlines involving the French quantum ecosystem.
Policy
Ambitious New French-Canadian Collaboration Opportunities for the CNRS
Jan Matas, the director of the CNRS’s Canadian Office in Ottawa, outlines the main research partnerships between Canada and France. CNRS is working within a national dynamic involving French universities and other research organisations which was reflected in the creation of the Canada France Quantum Alliance (CAFQA). This is an international research network (IRN) in quantum physics made up of 8 French and 8 Canadian universities, as well as the CNRS.
Why Europe Needs to Prioritize the Switch to Quantum-Safe Encryption
France is leading the way in adopting quantum-safe encryption. CPO Magazine underscores the need for the switch: The European Policy Commission recently published a report titled A Quantum Cybersecurity Agenda for Europe, which assesses quantum readiness across Europe. The document is an uncomfortable read for security professionals, but brings important questions to the foreground.
Business
ColibriTD, a French quantum-as-a-service startup, has closed a €1 million seed funding round led by Earlybird Venture Capital’s Earlybird-X fund alongside a group of angels. The funding will be used to drive the development of a unique, hardware-agnostic quantum-as-a-service platform.
Tiny French Chip Startup Challenges Mighty Amazon to Produce Formidable Quantum Chip
French startup Alice & Bob are testing a new kind of quibt that’s designed to withstand quantum error – by taking a leaf from the original Shrodinger’s Cat experiment around which the theory of quantum superposition is based.
L’ATELIER: The Quantum Conundrum: Challenges to Getting Quantum Computing on Deck
Quantum computing uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. It could revolutionise fields like cryptography, materials science and drug discovery, just as a start. This future is not just theoretical; it’s a tangible reality, easier to engage with than many think.
PASQAL, a leader neutral atoms quantum computing, and Qubit Pharmaceuticals, a deeptech company specializing in drug discovery through simulation and molecular modeling accelerated by hybrid HPC and quantum computing, announce that they are among the 12 selected performers for the Quantum for Bio program in consortium with the Unitary Fund, the leading open-source non-profit in quantum technologies.
Research
Emmanuel Flurin: When Quantum Technologies Play With The Laws of The Universe
Emmanuel Flurin is a researcher at the Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory (SPEC – Univ. Paris-Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission CEA, National Centre for Scientific Research CNRS) and specialises in quantum physics. With his team at the Quantronics group, a pioneer in superconducting circuits, he has just developed the world’s most sensitive power sensor, pushing the limits of magnetic resonance.
Claire Berger Receives one of France’s Highest Civilian Honors in Science, Scientific Diplomacy
Physicist Claire Berger has been awarded the Chevalier dans L’ordre des Palmes Académiques for her groundbreaking graphene research — and her work on strengthening ties between U.S. and French scientists.
Education and Events
Polytechnique Insights: Quantum Computing: 15 Minutes to Understand Everything
Quantum computers work with quantum bits, or qubits, which, unlike standard computer bits that can have a value of either 0 or 1, can be in a superposition of both 0 and 1. This characteristic means that quantum computers could be much faster than conventional computers for certain tasks. They could also be used to solve certain problems that a conventional computer cannot.
YOUNG TALENTS 2023 – Quantum Technology
Master or a PhD students from France or the Netherlands with innovative ideas about quantum technology and its applications were invited to present their ideas to top officials and renowned scientists in the field of quantum physics. The Erasme-Descartes Conference (EDC) was initiated in 2002 by the French Embassy in the Netherlands and the Dutch Embassy in France. The conference gathers over a hundred French and Dutch renowned experts from universities, research centers, ministries and companies.
Quantum Business Europe Held in Paris
Quantum Business Europe provides a unique event for IT decision-makers and innovators to explore and discuss insights, showcase the latest innovative projects, and connect with the best and brightest minds in the industry. We are proud to contribute towards putting Europe on the centre stage and makes a commitment to evolve with the community that it serves.