On Tuesday in Amsterdam, European quantum physicists discussed the state and development of quantum technologies. In the course of the conference, a Quantum Manifesto was presented. It calls for a common European initiative in Quantum Technologies to make sure Europe stays at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Quantum physics techniques allow the control of single atoms, electrons and photons. Outside the laboratory, quantum mechanical processes are key for developing ultra-precise biosensors, eavesdropping-safe data transfer technology and future high-performance quantum computers. Scientists have unraveled many aspects of the laws of quantum mechanics and they are now applied in laser technology, enhancing transistors and imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging. The European Union has launched a new flagship-scale initiative that aims to promote quantum simulators used for research and designing new materials as well as practical applications of sensor and information technologies, for example long-distance communication networks that make eavesdropping impossible. The long-term goal is to build high-performance quantum computers that solve, in a few minutes, problems that are unsolvable by the supercomputers of today and tomorrow.
In the run-up to the conference Quantum Europe: a New Era of Technology, The European Commission asked leading quantum researchers to draw up a Quantum Manifesto that was to set out the basic principles of the flagship initiative. The Manifesto, in which the scientists underline the importance and enormous potential of quantum technologies for the European industry and society, was published in March, has been endorsed by thousands of supporters and was presented in Amsterdam on May 17th, 2016.