Quantum Delta NL Positions Netherlands in Three European Quantum Pilot Lines
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The Netherlands has secured a prominent position in the developing European quantum technology sector, participating in three of the five strategic pilot lines established under the European Chips Act and the Chips Joint Undertaking. From 2026, Dutch researchers and companies will contribute to the Superconducting European Quantum Pilot Line (SUPREME), Photonics for Quantum (P4Q), and Semiconductor Pilot Line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems (SPINS), accelerating development in crucial areas like qubit technologies and photonics. These pilot lines aim to bolster Europe’s technological independence by scaling semiconductor, superconductor, and photonic technologies for commercial applications. “We have a clear vision for how quantum technology will evolve over the next decade and the role we want the Netherlands to play in that future,” said Pieter de Witte, Board member, Quantum Delta NL. Quantum Delta NL coordinated the national consortia and funding for these initiatives, integrating the European projects into existing national programs. SUPREME Pilot Line: Advancing Superconducting Qubit Fabrication From 2026, the pilot line will concentrate on maturing the fabrication processes essential for creating device-based quantum technologies, addressing a critical bottleneck in the path toward commercially viable quantum systems. The initial phase prioritizes establishing consistent and repeatable manufacturing of superconducting chips and devices, with the ultimate goal of offering pilot fabrication services to customers across Europe. Several Dutch organizations are central to SUPREME’s success; Quantware is contributing expertise in fabricating Josephson Junction-based qubits and developing 3D integration processes, while Single Quantum focuses on improving the repeatability and yield of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. QphoX is advancing single-photon microwave-to-optics transducers, a crucial component for connecting quantum processors, and TNO is coordinating end-of-line device characterization and advanced metrology. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is responsible for deploying capital and dedicated tooling to support these efforts. Rob Stockill, CTO of QphoX, said, “Through SUPREME, we’re leveraging our technological expertise to build reliable fabrication infrastructure for superconducting quantum technology in Europe, which will directly contribute to future industrialisation and large-scale commercialisation.” This coordinated approach aims to move beyond laboratory demonstrations and establish a robust, European-based supply chain for superconducting quantum components, fostering greater technological independence and accelerating the development of practical quantum applications. The pilot line’s focus on improving yield and repeatability is particularly important, as these factors directly impact the cost and scalability of quantum computing systems. P4Q Consortium: Scaling Photonic Quantum Chips for Applications Within the European Chips Act framework, the Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) consortium is actively addressing the challenges of scaling photonic quantum chips for practical deployment, bringing together 29 European partners to bolster reliability and manufacturability. The initiative recognizes the growing need for robust quantum components, with Dutch institutions playing a significant role in developing advanced testing methodologies crucial for large-scale demonstrations and eventual industrial production. Participants from the University of Twente, TU Delft, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO, and a cohort of innovative startups, including Aluvia, Delft Networks, New Origin, Q*Bird, QphoX, QuiX, and Lionix, are collaborating to move quantum technology beyond the confines of research laboratories. The P4Q program specifically targets the creation of quantum chips applicable to diverse fields, encompassing enhanced sensors, full-stack quantum computers, and secure quantum communication networks; this multifaceted approach aims to accelerate the transition from theoretical potential to tangible real-world applications. Pepijn Pinkse, P4Q consortium lead at the University of Twente, explains, “As the global race for quantum technology accelerates, Europe is strengthening its chip manufacturing capacity to stay competitive.” This emphasis on manufacturing capacity is vital, as the consortium seeks to establish a pathway for consistent, high-volume production of photonic quantum chips. The collaborative effort isn’t simply about creating new technology, but about integrating it into existing infrastructure and fostering a broader European quantum ecosystem, ensuring that advancements translate into economic and strategic advantages for the region. Ultimately, P4Q aims to deliver a scalable and dependable platform for photonic quantum computing, sensing, and communication, solidifying Europe’s position in this rapidly evolving field. As the global race for quantum technology accelerates, Europe is strengthening its chip manufacturing capacity to stay at the forefront. P4Q plays a key role in bringing quantum technology into practical applications. SPINS Pilot Line: Industrializing Semiconductor Quantum-Dot Qubits Unlike approaches relying on superconductors or photonics, SPINS specifically focuses on advancing quantum-dot qubits, a technology gaining traction within the Dutch research community and aligning with existing European semiconductor infrastructure. This strategic emphasis allows for leveraging established fabrication facilities, maximizing efficiency in the pursuit of scalable quantum processors. Anne-Marije Zwerver, CEO and founder at Groove Quantum and the Netherlands’ lead for SPINS, explained that “With SPINS, we’re strengthening local manufacturing capabilities by bringing together leading semiconductor-qubit expertise and Europe’s existing infrastructure.” The pilot line aims to move beyond basic research, concentrating on achieving high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) semiconductor quantum chips through refined process design and consistent manufacturing. Dutch involvement includes collaborative efforts from TNO, Delft University of Technology, and Groove Quantum, all contributing specialized knowledge to the program. The focus on semiconductor qubits is particularly relevant given the anticipated scale of practical quantum computers; experts predict millions of qubits will be necessary for fault-tolerant computation, and the Netherlands is well-positioned to address this challenge. Zwerver added, “By building on what’s already here, we can turn long-term quantum ambition into real industrial capacity,” highlighting the program’s commitment to converting theoretical potential into tangible manufacturing prowess and bolstering Europe’s position in the developing quantum landscape. We have a clear vision for how quantum technology will evolve over the next decade and the role we want the Netherlands to play in that future. This is also reflected in Quantum Valley, our contribution to the recent Wennink report, which pushes for continued strategic investment into scaling the quantum industry. Source: https://quantumdelta.nl/news/the-netherlands-secures-a-strong-position-on-three-european-pilot-lines Tags: