Andris Ambainis, professor at the Faculty of Computing, the Head of the Centre for Quantum Computer Science at the UL and the project leader of the Quantum Technology Initiative, says: “Quantum technologies are among the most important long-term research areas in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector, attracting increasing interest from companies in the ICT and other fields. In recent years, several large global companies, such as IBM and Google, have been actively developing the first medium-sized quantum computers, which will have computing power that cannot be achieved by traditional computers. This sequentially creates interest in quantum computers from companies in various industries that could use quantum computers and creates a need to develop new computing methods for quantum computers. Latvia already has a clear comparative advantage in the field and a high profile at the European level. However, implementing the project will allow us to strengthen this advantage and develop our knowledge base and human capital during the time when quantum technology is approaching practical application.”
Santa Šmīdlere, Deputy State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Science, points out: “The project will enable the preparation of high-level professionals, develop knowledge and skills in high-tech areas, conduct high-level research, and foster synergies among higher education, science, and industry towards innovation. We already need to provide the environment, knowledge, and interdisciplinary teams of specialists, able to create commercially successful products with high export potential.”
Zane Petre, the Head of the Representative Office of the European Commission in Latvia, said: “The Latvian Quantum Initiative and the joint efforts of its partners in developing quantum technology-related activities in Latvia is an important element in the EU’s digital transition. This is an excellent example where the formation of synergy between research and industry can be seen, which will definitely facilitate the development of the digital industry and high technology, as well as enhance Latvia’s competitiveness. Where once we spoke of quantum technology as something intangible and seen with mind’s eye only, now it is fast morphing into something tangible, taking the shape of real projects. Also, due to the support of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which will provide 17 million euros, this Initiative will fortify Latvia’s position both in the European and global research space. Good luck and success to the project implementers!”
By implementing the project, new knowledge will be created on quantum algorithms for universal quantum computers, quantum sensors and devices, quantum communication and cryptography. University students and industry professionals will have the opportunity to study four modules: Quantum Computing Theory, Quantum Programming, Physics of Quantum Technologies and Quantum Communication Technologies. This knowledge will enable future collaborations with companies in the industry, interested in Quantum Technology applications: both large global companies and startups.
The implementation of the project will contribute to the competitiveness of the participating scientific institutions in the field of quantum technologies by increasing the number of publications, promoting involvement in European and international research areas, and helping to develop successful projects in pan-European calls for proposals, thus attracting external funding for scientific activities. As a result of the project, scientists will acquire new knowledge and skills, engage in European and global networking events, establish new scientific collaborations with scientists from other countries and produce high-level publications for presentation at international scientific conferences. As a result of the project will increase significantly the number of professionals with high-level digital skills who can use high technologies to develop knowledge- and technology-intensive new products and services in various sectors and who are able to create synergy - among higher education, science and industry - which will foster innovations with maximum commercialisation and export potential.
The project "Quantum Technology Initiative" (No. 2.3.1.1.i.0/1/22/I/CFLA/001) is funded by the European Union’s Recovery Fund and the State budget.
It has already been announced that Latvia's leading scientists and academics - from the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, the Institute of Solid State Physics UL and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics UL working in the field of quantum technologies - have joined efforts to establish the Latvian Quantum Initiative (LQI). The LQI is an association that will help to more successfully oversee and coordinate quantum technology-related activities in Latvia. The project “Quantum Technology Initiative”, funded by the European Union’s Recovery Fund, which will be implemented by the partners involved in the association, will make a significant contribution to quantum technology research and education in Latvia and will promote the acquisition of high-level digital skills useful for the future labour market.
It has already been announced that Latvia's leading scientists and academics - from the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, the Institute of Solid State Physics UL and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics UL working in the field of quantum technologies - have joined efforts to establish the Latvian Quantum Initiative (LQI). The LQI is an association that will help to oversee and coordinate quantum technology-related activities in Latvia more successfully. The project “Quantum Technology Initiative”, funded by the European Union’s Recovery Fund, which will be implemented by the partners involved in the association, will make a significant contribution to quantum technology research and education in Latvia and will promote the acquisition of high-level digital skills useful for the future labour market.
In order to introduce the activities planned in the project and to tell more about quantum technologies, all interested parties are invited to attend the project's opening event on March 7, at 14:00 at the University of Latvia, House of Sciences (Jelgavas Street 3, Riga).
For more information, visit the website: www.quantumlatvia.lu.lv
 and partners from Riga Technical University (RTU), the Institute of Solid State Physics of the UL (ISSP UL) and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the UL (IMCS UL) are launching the ambitious Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI). The QTI project will enable the preparation of high-level professionals, develop knowledge and skills in high-tech areas, conduct high-level research, and foster synergies among higher education, science, and industry towards innovation.){kind=link}