NATO Quantum Experts Convene in Copenhagen Conference

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber, Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe said: "Maintaining a technological edge - not least on emerging and disruptive technologies - is a key priority for NATO and a prerequisite if we are to remain in charge of our own security. Quantum is one of the technologies where we cannot take our leadership for granted. Where ensuring a technological edge will require not only substantial investments - but also mobilisation of resources and competences among all stakeholders, public and private across our Alliance and among our partners. This is what we are trying to achieve with this gathering, which is a model for engaging on emerging and disruptive technologies, including with our partners. Today's conference set this work out on a promising and ambitious trajectory with a lot at stake."

In 2023, NATO published its first-ever Quantum Technologies Strategy detailing its ambition to become "a quantum-ready alliance" and 22 Allies are currently part of NATO's quantum community. This week's conference sought to advance work including on topics such as scaling up of quantum technologies, partnership with industry and funding bodies, and understanding of dual-use cases of quantum technologies. Since its establishment, multiple nations have committed resources to engage in this forum and lead work streams. Given the urgency to address opportunities and risks of quantum technologies, the rate of progress is of key importance to NATO, as is the evolving convergence of quantum with related domains such as AI and biotech. The Danish Chair also launched a new "Quantum Industry Network" to facilitate NATO's broader engagement with quantum industry and funding leaders.