On January 31, 2025, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) hosted a press breakfast at Café Diglas in Vienna. The event brought together voices of academia and industry to reflect on the progress of the Quantum Austria initiative and outline future strategies for the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Moderated by FFG CEO Henrietta Egerth and FWF President Christof Gattringer, the discussion explored how fundamental research and applied science must work hand in hand to drive technological innovation. "The fact that both FFG and FWF sit at the same table demonstrates that research starts with basic science but doesn’t end there—it’s a continuous cycle," Egerth emphasized. The funding agencies, she explained, have jointly invested hundreds of millions in quantum research over the past two decades, laying the groundwork for translating discoveries into marketable applications.
Achievements of the Quantum Austria initiative
The Quantum Austria initiative, with a funding volume of €107 million, has supported 56 research projects to date, focusing on areas such as quantum communication, computing, and sensing. Gattringer noted that the roots of Austrian quantum research date back to the 1970s, with FWF having provided critical funding for fundamental projects. The initiative’s success has propelled Austria to the forefront of quantum science, ranking 2nd in Europe for publications and 3rd for patents.
Gregor Weihs, quantA´s director of research, highlighted the country’s long history in the field. “The second quantum revolution began in the 1980s, when researchers in Austria were still seen as underdogs. Today, the world knows that Austria excels in quantum science—and we must continue to build on that reputation.” He pointed out that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics, a milestone that the UNESCO initiative seeks to commemorate and leverage for raising awareness of quantum science worldwide.
Building a quuantum industry in Austria
From an industry perspective, Rupert Ursin, CEO of Quantum Industries, underscored the trust and reliability that Austrian quantum products enjoy on the global market, particularly in security-related technologies such as quantum cryptography. "We have everything in place to build a major quantum industry in Austria," Ursin said. However, he emphasized that sustained investment is crucial to maintaining this competitive edge in a rapidly evolving field where countries like China, the U.S., and Germany are pouring resources into similar initiatives.
Ursin projected significant growth in the quantum technology sector, noting that within three to four years, thousands of quantum-secured devices will be manufactured annually. To support this expansion, Austria needs a highly skilled workforce. "Quantum research has an academic past but a commercial future. We need to train specialists at all levels, including graduates from technical schools," he explained, stressing the importance of establishing quantum-specific education programs
Future investments and challenges
Both Egerth and Gattringer emphasized that Austria’s position at the global forefront of quantum technology can only be maintained through continued investment. “We are a small country, but we stand at the cutting edge of quantum science," Egerth remarked. "To stay competitive, we need to invest in the future—both in research and in developing new talent." Gattringer echoed these sentiments, pointing to the necessity of funding to prevent brain drain and ensure that Austria remains a hub for quantum innovation.
The press meeting also offered a glimpse into the activities planned for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, including over 40 events across Austria aimed at engaging the public and showcasing the potential of quantum research. The platform quantum2025.at will play a central role in coordinating and promoting these initiatives.