By Camilla Johansson | Washington, D.C., September 2026
The scale and urgency of US investment in quantum technology offer a clear lesson for Sweden and the Nordic region: research excellence must be matched by strong ecosystems, industrial engagement and international collaborations.
These reflections were shaped during a Swedish quantum delegation to Chicago and Washington, D.C., organised jointly by the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP), the Embassy of Sweden in U.S., the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova. The programme brought together representatives from government, public agencies, academia, established industry and quantum startups. Through visits and meetings with several leading US quantum environments, including research institutions, national laboratories and ecosystem organisations, the delegation gained a close view of how the United States is linking research, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and industrial development.
What stands out most is the scale of the ambition. The conversation is not limited to funding research. It is about building complete ecosystems in which research environments, testbeds, infrastructure, startups and talent development are strengthened at the same time. There is also a strong sense of urgency. Quantum technology is treated as a strategic issue for economic growth, national security and long-term competitiveness, and the level of investment reflects that perspective.
Equally inspiring is the absence of any perceived contradiction between scientific excellence and commercialisation. Both are considered essential. The focus is on creating the structures, relationships and pathways that allow world-class research to move towards practical applications and business opportunities.
Sweden already has an excellent foundation. The country combines internationally recognised research with a strong innovation system. To translate these strengths into companies, applications and industrial competitiveness, however, Sweden must become better at connecting research, entrepreneurship, investment capital and industrial users.
More companies also need opportunities to explore quantum technology before it is fully mature. Swedish industry has historically been successful at adopting emerging technologies early. The same willingness to experiment, learn and build internal capability will be important in quantum technology. Early engagement can help companies identify relevant use cases, influence technical development and prepare for future market shifts.
Scientific publications and academic excellence will remain essential, but they cannot be the only measures of progress. Ten years from now, success should also be visible in thriving Nordic companies, stronger industrial capabilities and quantum-enabled solutions that are used in society.
The central challenge is therefore not simply to advance the science. It is to build the connections, infrastructure and confidence needed to turn knowledge into lasting value. Sweden and the Nordic region have the research base to succeed. The next step is to match that strength with ambition, coordination and the capacity to act at scale.
The Nordic region has a particular opportunity. Each country is relatively small, but together the region can create critical mass in expertise, infrastructure and market demand. Smarter coordination can reduce fragmentation, make specialised facilities more accessible and create stronger environments for startups and industrial collaboration.
A coordinated Nordic approach would also strengthen the region’s international position. By combining complementary capabilities and presenting a clearer common offer, the Nordic countries can become more influential partners in global research, innovation and industrial alliances than any one country could be alone.
As the delegation comes to an end, one message stands out clearly: quantum technology is no longer a distant future opportunity, but a strategic field that is rapidly moving from research to real-world impact. Sweden and the Nordic countries have the scientific excellence, talent and collaborative culture needed to succeed. The challenge now is to build on these strengths with the same sense of ambition, coordination and urgency that we see elsewhere. If we do that, the next decade could see the Nordic region not only contributing to quantum breakthroughs, but helping bring them into society through successful companies, competitive industries and solutions that create lasting value.
