Oct 2022 – In October 2022, Switzerland and the U.S. signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology, pledging to deepen collaboration between the countries’ researchers and institutions. The agreement, signed in Washington D.C. by Switzerland’s State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation and a U.S. State Department official, outlines plans for joint research projects, exchanges, and sharing of best practices in quantum computing, communications, and sensing. Soon after the signing, Swiss and American experts convened at the first Swiss-US Quantum Days in Chicago to kick-start partnerships.
Why it’s important: This bilateral pact is a big step in Switzerland’s strategy to “go global” with quantum research. With Switzerland not currently in the EU’s flagship research programs, ties with the U.S. become even more valuable. The U.S. is a leader in quantum R&D, so access to its networks and markets benefits Swiss academia and startups. For the U.S., Switzerland’s strong quantum talent and innovations (especially in quantum cryptography and hardware) make it an attractive partner. Observers say such alliances help pool expertise against common challenges (like developing quantum standards or mitigating cybersecurity threats). It also shows how science diplomacy is unfolding in the quantum realm – countries are banding together to advance this critical, emerging technology in a cooperative way.
