Aalto University is at the forefront of Finnish and European quantum technology in research, education and commercialisation.
Quantum technology spans all three of Aalto's core activities: research (most high-impact journal publications in quantum fields in Finland), education (the only quantum bachelor's programme in Finland and AaltoQ20, a student- and researcher-accessible on-site quantum computer) and innovation (spin-offs like IQM and Bluefors born from Aalto research).
Aalto University is Finland's recognised leader in quantum technology, coordinating the key initiatives Finnish Quantum Flagship and InstituteQ. Greater Helsinki, where Aalto is located, ranked as the world's #2 quantum innovation cluster in 2026, according to ECIPE.
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Quantum science and technology at Aalto University
Quantum research, education and industry at Aalto University
Aalto University leads Finnish quantum science and education
Aalto University is Finland's leading hub of quantum science
Two quantum researchers at Aalto University explain how the seemingly impossible becomes a part of everyday reality.
Quantum research is about harnessing the physics of the elusive quantum world to further our understanding of the universe and power future technology.
Some quantum-based real-world applications, like quantum computers carrying out calculations far beyond the reach of classical computers, are likely to be years away. Others, like smartphones, GPS and medical imaging devices, are already here and permeate daily life.
Aalto University is Finland's leading quantum research hub. Quantum researchers at Aalto focus on technological topics such as superconducting devices, quantum materials, quantum sensors and photonics.
The Finnish quantum industry is projected to balloon to an evaluation in the billions of euros with over 3000 new highly skilled workers needed by 2035. An education in quantum science and technology does not just provide students with the skillset for working in the industry but also to probe the secrets of the universe.
Aalto boasts two features not found elsewhere in Finland: the only bachelor's-level education in quantum technology and the Aalto Q20; a university-owned quantum computer for research and educational use. Students get to access and do project work with the Q20 during their studies at Aalto. Similar hands-on opportunities are rare even in Europe.
The Quantum Technology study option gives bachelor's students a foundation for becoming quantum scientists or engineers. Then students can move to the Masters in Engineering Physics, where they can specialise in nanomaterials, solid-state applications of quantum technology or purely theoretical physics related to the most pressing questions in modern solid-state physics and quantum technology.
The QDOC doctoral programme trains the next tranche of quantum technology experts as part of the Finnish Quantum Flagship coordinated by Aalto.
AaltoQ20 is a unique quantum computer that researchers can also use to study quantum phenomena and develop new technology.
The Finnish quantum ecosystem is made up of universities, research organisations, startups and established companies. It includes facilitators and funders like the Research Council of Finland and Business Finland. The Finnish government issued a national quantum technology strategy in 2025 to steer the field's development in the country. Goals for the next ten years include a thousand-qubit quantum computer and three billions euros in industry turnover.
Aalto is the Finnish quantum ecosystem's academic backbone; providing research innovations, education for new talent and opportunities for commercialisation. Aalto also coordinates both InstituteQ, Finland's national quantum insitute, and the Finnish Quantum Flagship, the Research Council of Finland's foremost quantum programme.
Every year, a number of quantum spinout emerge from Aalto. These include Finland's frontrunner quantum computing company IQM, the globally significant cryogenics provider Bluefors, and, most recently, the hardware-focused Coherence Quantum, who raised 2.8 million euros for scaling up quantum computers.
Crucially, the Aalto campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, houses Finland's national quantum research infrastructure OtaNano, comprised of the legendary Low Temperature Laboratory started in the 1960s, the Nanomicroscopy Center and Micronova, the largest academic cleanroom in the Nordics. OtaNano's facilities enable a vast range of technologies for researchers, startups, companies and students to use in quantum research.
Finland’s early investment into fundamental research in quantum science and technology has resulted in the creation of an entirely new domestic industry. Now the country is charting a path forward for full value-chain ownership.
Doctoral researcher Christa Schauman explains how Finland and Europe are faring in a race everyone wants to join – despite its uncertainties.
FQF Director Peter Liljeroth & InstituteQ Director Jukka Pekola discuss Finland's quantum tech landscape.
InstituteQ coordinates quantum research, education, innovation and business development in Finland.
Aalto University is coordinating the Finnish Quantum Flagship — an eight year project uniting quantum science and technology research institutions and and companies throughout Finland.
OtaNano is Finland's national research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies
