Finnish Quantum Days in Jyväskylä: “We are making a concrete effort to influence Finland’s future quantum strategy"
Quantum computers are expected to solve problems in the future that current computers are unable to tackle.
Many aspects of quantum technology remain, however, unknown: How close are we to practical solutions? What kind of quantum materials will be used in them? How will the quantum economy eventually take shape?
In September, Jyväskylä will a host the Finnish Quantum Days, a major event in the field, which will bring together researchers, companies and policymakers. During the event, discussions will focus on the direction in which research, technology and the national quantum strategy are heading.
The event will also feature presentations of the latest achievements in quantum computing, sensors, materials, algorithms, and quantum communication.
The programme also includes a public lecture open for all, where Professor of Quantum Computing Teiko Heinosaari will discuss the main insights of quantum physics.
The University of Jyväskylä is a major player in the quantum field. The University is involved in the Finnish Quantum Flagship research coalition and is home to the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials. Research in Jyväskylä covers quantum materials, sensors, quantum computing, simulation, and issues in quantum economy.
In anticipation of the Finnish Quantum Days, we asked two JYU researchers to shed light on the quantum world from different perspectives. Professor Tero Heikkilä studies quantum materials and their potential for future technologies. Associate Professor Joel Mero examines Finland’s quantum technology strategy, the ecosystem developing around the field, and how Finland – with its limited resources – could position itself as an increasingly significant player in the international race for quantum technology.
Tero Heikkilä, Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Science and Nanoscience Center
Are quantum materials building blocks or invisible matter?
Quite interesting options! In a sense, we are all quantum materials when viewed at the right scale. Since materials are constructed from atomic-level building blocks, understanding them requires quantum mechanics. In some cases, quantum properties persist in structures much larger than the atomic scale. That’s when we speak of quantum materials.
Superconductors are a good example. Macroscopic quantum mechanics can be seen in them, and that’s why they are used to build macroscopic quantum devices such as quantum computers. At the Centre of Excellence in Quantum Materials, we are trying to make quantum properties literally visible by researching the optical properties of materials, that is, their interaction with light.
As regards future quantum technologies, will many different quantum materials be used or will one specific material gain a dominant position?
Probably several quantum materials will be used. In Finland, superconductors and superfluids are fairly popular. The Finnish quantum computer company IQM builds superconducting quantum computers and cools them within a few millikelvin of absolute zero using refrigerators based on superfluids and manufactured by Bluefors, another Finnish company.
However, the operation of quantum computers also requires all kinds of other electronic components, many of which can be manufactured using quantum materials, such as superconducting junctions, and their combinations with magnets.
Components combining ferroelectricity and superconductivity are also significant here.
At the Centre of Excellence, we are also seeking new kinds of quantum materials, where quantum properties manifest themselves in completely new ways. These include quantum spin liquids and fractional Chern insulators. We do not yet know what technologies they could be applied in, but I am sure they will be generating tax revenue one day.
Are quantum materials the most difficult area of physics? What is the most fascinating aspect in their research?
Difficulty is a relative concept, I guess. Before one understands or masters something, it is difficult, and when one has understood or learnt it well, it becomes simple.
This probably applies not only to quantum materials, but also to knitting a scarf, ski jumping, and understanding rap lyrics, which are, at least for me, insurmountable challenges.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing in theoretical physics is that you can be the first person in the world to discover new natural properties, which then, through measurements, become part of our shared understanding of nature and possibly new technology.
What do you personally look forward to most at the Finnish Quantum Days at JYU on 9–10 September 2026?
I’m looking forward to truly interesting discussions and meeting colleagues from around the world. For example, I will be meeting an old fellow student coming from Australia.
In addition, we are making a concrete effort to influence Finland’s future quantum strategy and the future of physics education in general upper secondary schools, and it will also be interesting to see how well this succeeds.
Joel Mero, Associate Professor, Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics
Which comes first: quantum technology or economy? Is there already such a thing as quantum economy?
I have another answer: economy and quantum technology are interconnected. Quantum technology needs economy: funding, companies, skilled labour, customers, and political decisions.
On the other hand, only well-functioning technology generates new business. Quantum economy therefore already exists in its initial form: as companies, investments, ecosystems and expectations.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, however, and we are only laying the foundations of a quantum economy.
What are quantum ecosystems?
A quantum ecosystem consists of a group of operators working together to transform quantum science into functional technology and eventually into profitable business. It includes researchers, companies, financers, public-sector actors, students, users, and also those organisations that do not yet know that they need quantum technology.
Ecosystem is a good term, because nobody can do this alone. Value is created through cooperation, not by a single ingenious laboratory.
Is the development of quantum technology a vital issue for the Finnish economy?
It would be too dramatic to claim that the fate of the entire Finnish economy depends on quantum technology.
Yet, it is one of the few technologies where Finland has a credible chance to punch above its weight.
If we don’t invest, we will lose skilled professionals, companies and future growth potential. It can be a vital issue for the industries, companies and regions that are built around the next wave of technology.
What do you personally look forward to most at the Finnish Quantum Days at JYU on 9–10 September 2026?
Firstly, it’s fantastic that such a great event is being held in Jyväskylä. Personally, what I look forward to the most is a chance to speak at the same event as a Physics Nobel Prize winner. This is probably the closest to a Nobel Prize I will ever get in my own career. At the same time, I hope of course that my physics teachers from comprehensive and upper secondary school won’t be overly shocked by this.
The Finnish Quantum Days will be held on September 9–10, 2026, at the University of Jyväskylä. Professor Teiko Heinosaari’s public lecture in Finnish will take place on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the main building of the University of Jyväskylä (C1) on Seminaarinmäki. For more information on the program for this event, visit the website.
