Global Network Puts Spotlight On Quantum Software
Uniting quantum computing researchers across the world and ensuring that quantum software gains visibility among policymakers. These are the two main goals of the new Quantum Software Alliance (QSA).
'Hardware builds the capability. Software delivers the value. This alliance is here to make sure quantum software investment keeps pace with quantum hardware progress,' explains Christian Schaffner, Director of QuSoft (Research Centre for Quantum Software) and professor at the Informatics Institute of University of Amsterdam.
'The launch of the QSA reflects a growing consensus: building quantum computers is a remarkable achievement, but without breakthroughs in software, their potential will remain out of reach,' says professor Vedran Dunjko from aQa (Applied Quantum Algorithms), Leiden University.
The launch of the Quantum Software Alliance
The Quantum Software Alliance (QSA) will champion and co-ordinate the development of quantum software and algorithms to support quantum computing's shift from lab-based theory to real-world applications. The alliance brings together leading expertise across disciplines and borders, including key Dutch partners such as aQa (University of Leiden, Applied Quantum Algorithms) and QuSoft, the Research Centre for Quantum Software in the Netherlands.
A strategic vision for practical quantum computing
Its strategic vision will focus on the vital contributions quantum software will make in the drive towards practical quantum computing - transforming outputs from small and noisy machines to creating fresh applications that deliver innovative outcomes for social and economic development.
The vision combines the knowledge and experience of researchers across four continents to provide practical recommendations to accelerate the discovery of new software and algorithms to enhance the performance of large-scale hardware platforms.
Building a global research agenda and open ecosystem
Another key action for the partnership is to create a global research agenda that will provide a coherent development framework for the research community, enable closer collaboration with other stakeholders and inform policy and funding decisions.
With its global outlook and independent ethos, the QSA will champion the development of open and interoperable solutions that can boost collaboration and innovation. It also explores the open questions confronting researchers who are developing software algorithms and protocols for many-qubit quantum processors.
A call to researchers, policymakers, and funders
The QSA also makes a direct appeal to policymakers and funding agencies to support these community-driven efforts, and to formulate quantum research programmes that place a more strategic focus on the development of quantum algorithms and software.
Professor Chris Heunen, Chair of the QSA steering committee, said: 'Our role at the QSA is to ensure that quantum software researchers receive the attention and support they need to accelerate the innovation pathway towards practical quantum computing. Their unique talents and insights will be essential to unlock the applications that make the best use of different qubit platforms, and to create full-stack systems that realize the full potential of quantum computing.'
During the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum, where the launch of the QSA was announced, Professor Yasser Omar, said: 'The launch of the QSA today shows how the closing of the International Year of Quantum is also the beginning of a global quantum initiative, setting the ground for others to follow, and for the establishment of an international quantum decade.'
Read the full press release of QSA.
Join the Quantum Software Alliance
The 21 founding members of the QSA are listed here.
Other organisations are welcome to join, with full membership available to academic centres and supporting membership open to relevant companies.
The QSA is committed to fair and open development, connecting and growing the research community, and providing independent and expert advice to government, industry and the general public.
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2026/02/global-network-puts-spotlight-on-quantum-software
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