June 11, 2026 -- Six Swedish universities are joining forces to establish the Swedish Centre for Quantum Technology, a national hub for research, innovation, education and capacity-building in quantum technology. The initiative aims to strengthen Sweden’s international competitiveness and serve as a driving force for the development and application of quantum technologies.

Quantum technology is currently at a critical global turning point, with major investments being made in both research and infrastructure.

“In a country the size of Sweden, national coordination is crucial for securing a strong position in quantum technology. The Swedish Centre for Quantum Technology will enable us to gather expertise together, achieve critical mass and create better conditions for research and innovation of the highest international standard. On the part of Uppsala University, we look forward to further developing our acknowledged excellence and contributing to new directions in this rapidly evolving field,” says Annica Black-Schaffer, Professor of Quantum Matter Theory and Deputy Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Sweden already hosts strong fundamental research and internationally leading environments in quantum technology, including the country’s most extensive quantum research programme, the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology and Wallenberg Initiative for Networks and Quantum Information (WINQ). Through collaborations, partnerships and testbeds, industry is actively engaged, with key support from funding bodies such as the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

However, national coordination is currently lacking, and new government initiatives risk creating fragmentation if they are not properly aligned. In response, Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, Stockholm University, Linköping University and Uppsala University have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Swedish Centre for Quantum Technology. Through coordination and long-term capacity-building, the centre will help position Sweden for the rapid developments expected in the coming decades. Chalmers will be the coordinating institution.

“All the institutions involved in this collaboration have great expertise in quantum technology. By joining forces, we are creating conditions for more rapid progress in both research and education. This is important for our international position but also for future generations. The collaboration makes Sweden an even stronger actor in quantum technology,” says Anders Hagfeldt, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University.

Together, the six universities will contribute across the full value chain – from fundamental research to early-stage industrial and societal applications – covering research, education, infrastructure and innovation. By improving coordination of expertise, infrastructure and funding, the initiative aims to strengthen Sweden’s role as an attractive partner in both the Nordic region and Europe.