Unleashing the Power of Quantum Science: A Look at the Incredible Advancements in Quantum Innovation and Investment Opportunities

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” to celebrate 100 years of quantum mechanics and raise public awareness about the importance of quantum science and its applications. This initiative is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible advancements in quantum innovation happening today, with photonics playing a significant role.

In this edition of Quantum Innovators, we feature the fascinating work on quantum memory drums conducted by Professor Albert Schliesser’s team at the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Postdoc Mads Bjerregaard Kristensen, who contributed to the project, shares insights into their work and the cover image with us.

Eric Mounier from Yole Group provides insights from their recent Quantum Technologies report and discusses the opportune moment for investing in quantum technologies. Additionally, Daniel Oi from the University of Strathclyde and the U.K. Quantum Communications Hub delves into significant milestones in space-based quantum communications and speculates on the future of this technology.

This issue covers a diverse range of topics, including quantum dots on semiconductors, the use of lasers to induce magnetic properties in materials, the role of fiber-optic cables in quantum networks, the generation of optic qubits in silicon using femtosecond lasers, demonstrations of quantum networks, a tool for analyzing light-based quantum states, and the world’s first photonic topological quantum insulator. Furthermore, we introduce readers to LightSolver, an innovative quantum-inspired startup.

We extend our gratitude to all the contributors for sharing their remarkable quantum research with us and contributing to this issue. It is through collaboration and dialogue that we can continue to explore the vast potential of quantum science and technology.