Quantum computing is expected to solve some of society’s most difficult problems. However, companies are still taking a wait-and-see approach because the path to practical benefits has not yet been built. The new UnloQ joint project by VTT, the University of Helsinki, and the University of Jyväskylä removes this bottleneck by identifying the most impactful early-stage use cases for industry. The project has received significant funding from Business Finland.
The UnloQ research project (Unlocking Quantum Computing Benefits) targets the most significant problems in quantum computing: device noise and sensitivity to interference, which complicate the identification of the technology's commercial value. Rather than waiting for hardware to mature, the project builds practical pathways for businesses to adopt quantum computing, developing noise-tolerant software and industrial pilots.
Business Finland has awarded EUR 8 million in funding to the five-year UnloQ project under its Rise to the Challenge programme. This funding enables long-term work by researchers to build a permanent competitive advantage for Finnish industry in the global quantum transition.
From the core of hardware development to real-world applications
Finland is already at the international forefront of quantum hardware, and UnloQ expands this lead by ensuring the technology is fully utilized. The project starts from real industrial problems, investigating what is worth solving with quantum computing and how to progress from experiments toward scalable business benefits.
“The benefits of quantum computing will not be discovered simply by waiting for more advanced machines. We must already understand which problems are the most critical for Finland and well-suited for quantum computing. Key actors are already on board to prioritize industry-relevant problems,” says Consortium Lead Maaria Nuutinen from VTT.
Cutting-edge research meets a broad industry network
VTT acts as the project coordinator and bridge builder, bringing its extensive quantum expertise and new research on pathways to adoption, with a strong focus on business collaboration. Software and algorithm development are carried out at the core of the hardware, down to the pulse level. This work is supported by the 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer developed in collaboration between VTT and IQM. Development is progressing rapidly, with the goal of accessing a 150-qubit computer in 2027 and a 300-qubit computer later on. By linking cutting-edge technical research to everyday problems, quantum computing becomes more accessible to companies.
The University of Helsinki is responsible for the consortium’s algorithm expertise and software engineering, while the University of Jyväskylä provides theoretical depth and quantum information theory. This partnership complements Finland’s hardware-centric ecosystem by strengthening the software and end-user perspectives. At the same time, it significantly improves capabilities to operate amidst technological uncertainty.
“We focus specifically on the questions that the practical implementation of quantum computing brings to light. The most significant of these is operating in the presence of noise where computational errors occur constantly due to external disturbances,” says Professor Jukka Nurminen from the University of Helsinki.
Professor Teiko Heinosaari from the University of Jyväskylä continues: “Noise and imprecision have long been among my key research interests for a long time, and I have worked on them for over 20 years. It is very exciting to now bring these results closer to practical applications in quantum technology.”
The project’s steering group includes companies and public actors from key sectors of quantum computing, including industry, energy, logistics, and finance. Connections to the business community ensure that the development work meets the genuine future needs of Finnish society.
“The multidisciplinary steering group supports the development of business that enables the use of quantum computing. At the same time, Finland increases its lead not only through the early and broad adoption of quantum computing but also by creating fertile ground for pioneering companies to grow into international markets. Our project slogan is ‘Finland always wins!’,” says Maaria Nuutinen with enthusiasm.
Futher information
VTT
Maaria Nuutinen, johtava erikoistutkija ja konsortion vetäjä
[email protected]
Helsingin yliopisto
Jukka K. Nurminen, professori
[email protected]
Jyväskylän yliopisto
Teiko Heinosaari, professori
[email protected]
