The QScale joint project coordinated by VTT with Tampere and Aalto Universities has received funding from Business Finland's prestigious Rise to Challenge Programme. In the project, researchers are developing a radical improvement in the energy efficiency and scalability of quantum computers through optical control and ultra-precise signal technology based on quantum phenomena. The anticipated breakthrough of quantum technologies into societally impactful applications still requires major research openings such as QScale.
In theory, quantum computers are known to be capable of calculations that are impossible for classical computers. This is why they are expected to enable breakthroughs in fields such as chemistry, bioscience and artificial intelligence. One of the most promising approaches – and the most significant one for Finland nationally – is the superconducting quantum computer.
Industrial development of quantum computers is progressing rapidly, but current technology becomes difficult when scaling beyond 1,000 qubits and impossible if the goal is one million qubits. Yet that is the scale needed to fulfil the promises made for quantum computing. With current technology, the energy consumption of such a quantum computer would be comparable to the output of an entire nuclear reactor, making it practically impossible to implement.
QScale combines optical control with precise signal technology
The main objective of the QScale project is to develop a novel method, invented in Finland, for scaling quantum computers and other quantum technologies. The project combines ultra-fast and energy-efficient optical telecommunications technology with superconducting circuits that generate near-perfect, noise-free electrical signals. This offers a major advantage for sensitive quantum technologies.
Optical telecommunications technology also helps seamlessly connect the computing capacities of quantum and supercomputers, which in turn is expected to make AI computing more efficient.
From research towards new commercial applications
The aim is to commercialise the technology in the 2030s, first for controlling superconducting quantum computers and later for numerous other applications.
This cross-disciplinary project combines integrated optics as well as optoelectronics, semiconductor electronics and superconducting electronics with new electrical cooling methods. Scalable chip-based solutions will be packaged into compact modules that may open a new era in low-temperature technologies. In addition, the researchers will make ultra-precise electrical signals readily accessible to end users. The goal is to trigger a transformation in electronics similar to the one atomic clocks once enabled in applications based on precise time and frequency.
The three-year QScale project will start on 1 September 2026, with a total budget of approximately EUR 6.9 million. Business Finland’s share of the funding amounts to EUR 5.5 million.
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