The Swiss Quantum Initiative is one of the measures to support research and innovation that the Federal Council decided to adopt in May 2022. These measures are intended to reinforce Switzerland’s position in research and innovation in key scientific fields.
The Swiss Quantum Initiative aims to consolidate Switzerland's excellent position in the field of quantum technology and to strengthen its competitiveness at international level. This includes targeted support for research through competitive calls for proposals, the development of attractive educational curricula, knowledge and technology transfer in collaboration with industry, and international cooperation.
Organisation
The Swiss Quantum Commission (SQC), a group of leading experts from ETH Zurich and EPFL, the universities and other higher education institutions, the private sector and government agencies, is responsible for coordinating the expertise of Swiss research institutions. As an umbrella organisation, the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) hosts this commission, which is responsible for the implementation of the initiative and aims initially to strengthen research.
Funding
For 2023 and 2024, the Confederation has allocated CHF 10 million to national projects as a priority. CHF 82.1 million have been allocated to the SQI for the ERI-period 2025-2028. These funds will be divided between the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), the Swiss National Science Foundation and Innosuisse. These figures must still be approved by Parliament by the end of 2024.