Latvia's leading scientists create the Latvian Quantum Initiative

The development of quantum technologies is a challenge for humanity in which all countries must participate, and this Initiative is a way for Latvia to join this challenge. The establishment of the Latvian Quantum Initiative is an opportunity to connect Latvian scientists with European and global scientists, coordinate activities in the field of quantum technologies in Latvia and ensure that they are focused and effective. The Initiative will involve not only scientists but also companies and public institutions.

One of Europe’s most renowned research centres in quantum computing is already operating in Latvia – the Centre for Quantum Computer Science at the Faculty of Computing of the UL develops quantum algorithms and brings together scientists from many countries around the world. When speaking about establishment of the Latvian Quantum Initiative, the Professor Andris Ambainis, the Head of the Centre for Quantum Computer Science at the Faculty of Computing of the UL, emphasises: “Latvia has developed excellence in various areas of quantum technology. This Initiative will develop this further, creating new synergies between physicists and computer scientists, scientists and entrepreneurs, quantum algorithm developers and artificial intelligence researchers. Attracting researchers from different countries of the world will significantly increase Latvia’s scientific capacity in quantum technologies. Pilot projects are becoming popular in my field, where scientists conduct research on how quantum computers will be useful for the needs of companies, and Latvia has the necessary scientific expertise to carry out such projects.”

Professor of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry and senior researcher at the UL Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs says: “In quantum nanoelectronics, we are internationally recognised for our achievements in theory, but our partners in experimental science have so far been foreign laboratories. As part of the Latvian Quantum Initiative, we will create a full-cycle exhibition of quantum devices in Latvia, from materials synthesis and device fabrication to the characterisation of quantum advantage in measurements and mathematical modelling of observed quantum effects. Closer collaboration on both the research and the curriculum dimensions will enable the creation of an attractive and competitive offer for students wishing to pursue future careers in the broad spectrum of quantum technologies.”

Andris Anspoks, the Head of the Institute of Solid State Physics at the UL, on participation in the Latvian Quantum Initiative: “The Solid State Physics at the UL has experience in the implementation of large-scale, complex research projects, which is also needed for this Initiative, expertise in the design and implementation of electronic and photonic components, materials science, solid state physics, as well as a wide range of modern equipment required for the characterisation of materials needed for the research part of the project, as well as concept and prototype tests. We have the only nanotechnology research centre that can produce the micro and nano structures needed to make quantum electronic and photonic devices. This is the most modern centre of its kind in the Baltics, with 650 m2 of ISO 9001:2015-certified cleanrooms. The nanotechnology centre is designed as an open-access infrastructure with a modern laboratory management system. Whereas the ISSP UL industry collaboration platform Materize will be the basis for innovation development and collaboration with the industry. It will serve as a single access centre for industry partners.

Juris Vīksna, the lead researcher of the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the UL: “The Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the UL is the leading Latvian research institute in computer science and mathematics. The Institute carries out research on performance testing of quantum encryption devices in existing optical infrastructure communication links, and on the development of cryptographic protocols for remote use of quantum encryption (QKD) and quantum event number generation devices (QRNG) and resources. Successful collaborations with the industry on applications of quantum cryptography equipment and software solutions have also already been started. The IMCS UL is currently the only research centre in Latvia with significant experience in the field of quantum cryptography. Latvian Quantum Initiative will help to increase competency in quantum cryptography, post-quantum asymmetric cryptography and quantum algorithms, which will strengthen the Institute’s competitiveness and ensure its further growth.”

Jurģis Poriņš, professor and lead researcher at the RTU Institute of Telecommunications: “As the volume and speed of information to be transmitted increases, the security of the data to be transmitted becomes a crucial issue. One solution to increase security is using the quantum key transmission in optical communication systems. The RTU Institute of Telecommunications is a leading institution in the Baltic States with international experience in developing and testing high-speed optical communication systems and their components. Within the framework of the Quantum Initiative, it will provide opportunities to develop new technological solutions for quantum communication systems using combined space-division and wavelength-division multiplexing technologies, as well as to develop new components for quantum communication systems, which will allow to gain new knowledge and experience in this field. This knowledge will also be integrated into the content of study courses, which will increase the knowledge level of students and industry representatives, as well as promote international cooperation and increase Latvia’s competitiveness in the field of high technologies.”

The two main activities of the Latvian Quantum Initiative are research and education. In research, the Initiative’s activities are currently focused on thematic areas identified on the basis of Latvia’s perspective on the future development of quantum technologies and existing applications in science and industry: 1) quantum algorithms and software, 2) quantum sensors and devices, (theory and implementation; electronics and photonics), 3) quantum communication and communication security. Whereas, in the field of education, the Initiative aims to develop study modules: 1) in quantum computing theory; 2) in quantum programming; 3) quantum physics, and 4) quantum communication technologies.

The activities of the Latvian Quantum Initiative are aimed at increasing the competence of Latvia and all partners involved, increasing global competitiveness, promoting international recognition, international cooperation with other world-leading research institutions and the education of young specialists. One of the results of the Latvian Quantum Initiative is trained specialists familiar with the technologies of the future. Hence, using all their competencies and capabilities, the partners of the Initiative are involved in the creation of quantum technology studies and the improvement of existing study programmes.

For more information about the Latvian Quantum Initiative and its activities, visit the website: www.quantumlatvia.lu.lv