'Quantum Strong Nation' Finland's Secret Weapons [Tech Talk]

'Quantum Materials, Parts, and Equipment' and Government Research Institute 'VTT'
Finland Leads in Quantum Computer Cryostats
Government Agency Also Founds Startups Directly

Xylitol, Finland?the land of Nokia?is actually a European 'quantum powerhouse.' It has a solid foundation in basic science related to quantum computers and has built a dynamic startup ecosystem on top of that. However, Finland did not create a quantum ecosystem comparable to economic powerhouses solely through basic science. Behind this are 'quantum materials, parts, and equipment' (so-bu-jang) small and medium enterprises that have grown since the early 21st century, along with Finland's unique government-funded research institutions.

Finland with a population of 5.5 million ranks first in quantum computing, surpassing major European countries

Computer from IQM, Finland's first commercial quantum computer developer. Provided by IQM

At the 'Seoul-Finland Quantum Innovation Forum' held on the 3rd, the past and current status of Finland's quantum ecosystem were introduced in detail. Finland is a quantum leader that has long conducted quantum-related research at Bell Labs under the global telecommunications company Nokia, and the Finnish government has actively supported quantum technology, securing a research and development (R&D) budget of 28 million euros from 2023 through this year.

While 28 million euros is a substantial investment for Finland, with its population of 5.5 million, it is relatively modest compared to the major powers competing for supremacy in quantum computing. The market value of quantum computing companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange already reaches trillions of won, and China has pledged to invest 15 billion dollars over five years starting this year. Despite these limitations, Finland is clearly advancing in the field of quantum computing. It succeeded in developing Europe's first 50-qubit quantum computer in March this year and has confirmed a roadmap to expand to 150?300 qubits within the next two years.

95% of quantum computer cryostats are products of Finnish companies

Blueforce's ultra-low temperature freezer. Blueforce homepage

The reason Finland can lead with limited personnel and resources lies in its 'so-bu-jang' (materials, parts, and equipment). Just as the semiconductor industry has its own so-bu-jang supply chain, quantum computers are also forming such supply chains, and Finland specializes in ultra-low temperature cryogenic technology. Yuri Jerviahaho, the Finnish Ambassador to Korea who attended the forum, expressed confidence by saying, "We have invested a very long time in low-temperature technology."

Ultra-low temperature cryostats are key components for operating a type of quantum computer called the 'superconducting quantum computer.' The core of superconducting quantum computers is stabilizing the extremely unstable quantum computer with superconductors, which typically exhibit the 'phase transition' phenomenon and superconducting properties only in ultra-low temperature environments around -200 degrees Celsius.

'Blufors,' headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is currently the number one company in the ultra-low temperature cryostat industry related to quantum computers. Founded in 2008, the company now has sales reaching 190 million euros and supplies cryostats to about 95% of the world's quantum computers. It is reported that 24 Blufors cryostats have been installed in Korea alone.

VTT, the Nordic applied research institute leading the quantum ecosystem

The Finnish government-funded research institute 'VTT' played a key role in building the quantum computer ecosystem. Im Ju-hyung skepped@

While Blufors is part of the quantum supply chain, Finland's government-funded research institute 'VTT' is at the heart of the quantum ecosystem. It is the largest research institution in Northern Europe and is responsible for applied electronic engineering in Finland. VTT's unique strength lies in occupying the 'middle ground' between basic research and commercialization. In technology industries, there is a concept called Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which ranges from 1 to 9. Generally, levels 1?3 represent early-stage research with very low maturity, and levels 7?9 are considered the pre-commercialization stages. VTT supports the intermediate stages, levels 4?6.

VTT's approach is advantageous when creating ecosystems for new industries. It participates in technology development stages that are too mature for universities or research institutes but too risky for companies, helping startups launch their products. Remarkably, VTT, despite being a government agency, also directly establishes startups. 'Arctic Instruments,' a quantum spinoff from VTT, is a representative example.

AI-TWPA-C amplifier by Arctic Instruments. It is a key component that amplifies the weak signals of quantum computer qubits. Photo by Arctic Instruments

Arctic Instruments develops amplifiers essential for stabilizing superconducting quantum computers. The product named ‘AI-TWPA-C’ was originally researched by VTT scholars starting in 2018. Dr. Vilge Ildz, head of business development at Arctic Instruments, told Asia Economy in an interview, "VTT has been creating companies when products under research reach near completion. This commercialization strategy is also part of our mission."

Thanks to these efforts, scale-up companies equipped with quantum computer 'production lines' have emerged. Another Finnish superconducting quantum computer company, 'IQM,' has raised a cumulative investment of 200 million euros and has already established a factory at its headquarters capable of mass-producing 20 complete quantum computers annually. IQM's 50-qubit quantum computer is also scheduled to be installed soon at Chungbuk National University.

Specialized in superconducting quantum computers... "50% of global ventures focus on superconducting"

One characteristic of Finland's quantum computer ecosystem is its specialization in superconducting quantum computer development. This is a natural outcome considering Finland's leadership in ultra-low temperature technology and VTT's early investment in superconducting quantum technology as a leader in the quantum ecosystem.

However, as companies and institutions developing quantum computers increase worldwide, various types of quantum computers are now competing, not just superconducting ones. For example, well-known startups such as IonQ in Korea and Quantinuum, a UK-US joint venture, are researching the ion trap method, which forms qubits by trapping ion particles with electromagnetic fields or lasers. Both invest resources exceeding Finland's annual quantum R&D budget.

Regarding this, Dr. Ildz emphasized, "Currently, 50% of global venture capital in the quantum industry is invested in superconducting methods, and the other 50% in other types of quantum computers. This fact alone shows the importance of (superconducting technology)." According to Dr. Ildz, every quantum computer has its own strengths and weaknesses. In particular, ion traps have recently attracted investors' attention because they easily maintain the 'quantum coherence' state, which is favorable for quantum information processing.

However, these advantages are only part of the entire quantum computer system. Dr. Ildz explained, "There are many variables to consider for the final completion of quantum computers, such as the number of qubits and scalability. Looking at the big picture, the progress of superconducting methods is still higher." Nevertheless, Dr. Ildz does not concern himself with which technology achieves quantum supremacy. He said, "We welcome anything that can help develop quantum computers. It's just that our expertise is aligned with superconducting quantum computers."