Quantum. Future, in which an army of scientists is trying to crack the code of the tiniest particles for revolutionary, exciting applications like quantum computing, the quantum internet, and quantum sensors. Quantum Delta NL is a Dutch collaborative initiative that should give the Netherlands a leading position in implementing promising quantum technologies in society. With opportunities and risks in mind. Eighth – and last – in line is Deborah Nas (Vlissingen, 1972), professor of strategic planning for technology-based innovation at TU Delft and director of innovation at the Center for Quantum & Society of Quantum Delta NL.
Nas: “I am intensely concerned about the social promises and challenges of the future of quantum. It is difficult because the technology is not yet operational. I am already trying to match supply and demand. On the supply side, you have an expert who knows well the possibilities of quantum computing. On the other hand, the industry that it can help .This can be a grid operator who wants to optimize their grid with each new connection to find out if there is enough capacity.A quantum computer can be of great value in the development of new, better drugs.
The challenges
“We are also looking forward to the quantum network. The internet promises to become unhackable so we can communicate securely. And if the telescopes soon become intertwined, we can look back even further into our own history. These are big steps forward. But we still don’t know many things. With the Center for Quantum & Society, we think carefully about the challenges of quantum. In this regard, we have learned about artificial intelligence. This has been allowed to develop for decades without much thought being given to the possibilities and dangers. And suddenly we faced drawbacks like black box algorithms. Dark with the known excesses of people of color who can no longer enter through the gate, or the IRS who falsely accused parents of fraud.
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“One of the problems is access to a quantum computer. The device will initially be very expensive, few organizations can afford it. The rest will get access through the cloud. Then you have to think in advance who can do what with such a quantum computer. If you can use it to break the current digital security, do we want everyone to be able to do it ?
“The Netherlands wants to be at the forefront of quantum industry development. But then you have to have enough people who are trained in that technology. This means that you already have to get students to choose to study in that direction. If you notice that we are already struggling to make a subject like IT a compulsory subject in secondary education, we still have a long way to go.
The future with quantum
‘It’s hard to predict. I liken it to a laser that was invented in 1960. A big device with a weak signal. The inventor must have had no idea what we do with it now: from laser prints to bar codes to eye surgeries. It is exactly the same with quantum.
A national quantum course was recently launched to familiarize the Netherlands with quantum and prepare for a quantum future. Developed under the leadership of Jim Stolze and funded by Quantum Delta NL, the free online program reveals the intricacies of quantum mechanics, highlights the evolution of quantum technology, and explores its future implications.
On March 14, 2024, visitors to the sold-out TivoliVredenburg experienced an evening full of science, ethics and even a touch of magic: the Quantum and Society Gala. New Scientisteditor-in-chief Jim Jansen introduced the evening. Together with quantum and social researcher Julia Cramer, he interviewed scientists, philosophers, innovation experts and Constantijn van Oranje about their views on our future with quantum. Watch the after-movie below or read the report.