May 2022 – The Swiss Federal Council approved a National Quantum Initiative in 2022, committing roughly CHF 80 million to quantum science and technology over 2023-2028. This marked Switzerland’s first centralized quantum tech program, aiming to unify and amplify efforts across research institutions and industry. The funds will support new R&D projects, professorships, and infrastructure in areas like quantum computing, communications (quantum cryptography), and sensing. It also established a coordination office and expert commission to steer the nationwide effort. The move came as Switzerland found itself excluded from some EU science programs (like Horizon Europe), prompting it to double down on home-grown research support.
Why it’s important: With this initiative, Switzerland signaled that it will not fall behind in the global quantum race. The investment gives Swiss researchers resources to remain competitive despite geopolitical hurdles. It also provides certainty to companies and universities that Switzerland is serious about translating quantum breakthroughs into innovation and economic value. Analysts note that CHF 80 million is a significant sum relative to Switzerland’s size, reflecting quantum tech’s strategic importance. The coordinated national program is expected to foster more public-private partnerships and keep talented scientists in Switzerland, strengthening its position as a European quantum hub.
