The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, visited IQM Quantum Computers in Espoo, Finland.  During her visit, she observed the company's advancements in building quantum computers and processors. Shyu serves as chief technology officer for the DoD and is mandated with ensuring the technological superiority of the U.S. military. She is also responsible for research, development, and prototyping activities across the DoD enterprise.

As investments in quantum computing and the development of a reliable and scalable supply chain in Finland continue to grow, the visit also underscored Finnish expertise in the quantum industry. Finland has decades of experience in quantum research and development and a history of cooperation in the fields of science and technology with the United States.

As part of her visit, Shyu met with IQM officials, including the Co-CEO, Mikko Välimäki, Dr. Juha Vartiainen, Global Affairs Officer and Co-Founder, Jouni Flyktman, Vice President, Defence and Security, and from Bluefors, Dr. David Gunnarsson, Chief Technology Officer, and Mikko Nurminen, Chief Sales Officer. The discussions focused on a range of topics, including collaboration with the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, and related agencies, research and development, the quantum workforce, and education.

During the visit, Shyu toured IQM’s state-of-the-art fabrication and cryogenic characterization facility dedicated to quantum processors to accelerate R&D and innovation and support the company’s growing global demand.

“IQM is expanding to the U.S. market and the visit highlighted that we are on the right track. With outstanding technology, deep expertise, and the ability to scale, IQM is well-positioned to enhance U.S.-Finland collaborations, particularly in the defense and security sectors,” said Juha Vartiainen, Global Affairs Officer and Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers.

David Gunnarsson, the Chief Technology Officer at Bluefors, an industry-leading cryogenic measurement systems and cryocoolers, disclosed that “Bluefors has a strong presence in the US, with both manufacturing and customer base in cryogenics. US is an important market for Bluefors both with regards to customers and available technology, where a considerable part of Bluefors systems are US-sourced.”