4 QUESTIONS TO RAOUL OOSTENBRINK, WHO SPEARHEADS QUANTUM DELTA NL’S QUANTUM SME PROGRAMME
Key players insights
Quantum Delft is the largest hub of the Quantum Delta Netherlands ecosystem. It is home to 6 quantum start-ups / scale-ups (SMEs) (Single Quantum, Delft Circuits, QBlox, Orange Quantum Systems, QuantWare and QPhox), as well as larger multinationals (Microsoft, Bluefors). The interaction of industry and academia is at the core of our community, and we see SMEs as an integral part of the future economics of quantum technology. Quantum Delta NL’s Quantum SME programme is a unique opportunity for SMEs to secure a front-row seat in the quantum market.
The programme’s objective is to connect 125 high-tech SME companies in the Netherlands to quantum technology and to increase the added value of SMEs in quantum technology.
Over the next seven years, the programme will make available a total of 35 million euros to SMEs. In addition, companies have to contribute 17 million euros through a cash or in-kind contribution.
In this article, we ask 4 questions to Raoul Oostenbrink, who spearheads Quantum Delta NL’s Quantum SME Programme.
➝ What can private companies and SME’s contribute to quantum development?
➝ What can private companies and SME’s contribute to quantum development?
➝ How will quantum technology contribute to SMEs?
➝ Why should high-tech SMEs apply for a grant?
➝ Why could this be interesting for international companies?
WHAT CAN PRIVATE COMPANIES AND SME’S CONTRIBUTE TO QUANTUM DEVELOPMENT?
Right now, most quantum development is research. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities for SMEs or high-tech companies. There are already companies active in the quantum research space. For example, companies that make and sell quantum refrigerators.
One of the big moon shots we’re working on is building a quantum computer, and eventually this needs to be put on the market. This computer would need quantum chips in order to function. These in turn need to be developed and built by private companies to become scalable products.
That’s exactly why SMEs are an integral part of the future economics of quantum technology. They can contribute specific services, and (sub-) assemblies to the Quantum Value Chain. They can play a vital role in the development of quantum end products such as quantum computers and the quantum internet.
HOW WILL QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTE TO SMES?
The future is still unclear. One of the things that is certain is that quantum technology has sparked a budding economy that’s built on creating the parts needed for research and quantum computing. Right now, new or existing companies have the unique opportunity to start to develop and deliver the products needed for the future.
There is immense opportunity for SMEs and private companies. The Quantum technology market is still in its infancy. Valued now at an estimated half a billion euros, it’s expected to grow by an astonishing 25,4% Compound Annual Growth Rate. This presents a huge market-making opportunity.
WHY SHOULD HIGH-TECH SMES APPLY FOR A GRANT?
The Quantum SME grant is a unique opportunity for SMEs to secure a front-row seat in the quantum market. It is an incentive that helps reduce the investment challenge by providing funding, encourages collaboration with other solution providers, and prompts engagement with future customers.
For this year’s call for proposals, the deadline for expression of interest is on the 28th of February 2022. However, this will be an annual opportunity for the quantum industry, over the next 7 years.
WHY COULD THIS BE INTERESTING FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES?
Although companies not registered in the Netherlands are not eligible to receive funding from the SME programme, partnering with foreign companies is applauded. The SME programme can act as a catalyst for foreign companies to co-develop products and services with Dutch companies for the quantum economy. It provides them with an opportunity to join the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem by starting a subsidiary company in the Netherlands. This then entitles them to participate in future Calls for Proposals within the SME programme.
