Minister Lawless to sign European Quantum Pact
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 6 Bealtaine 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has informed Cabinet of his intention to sign the European Quantum Pact, a joint declaration by EU science ministers recognising the transformative potential of quantum technologies for Europe’s scientific, industrial and strategic future.
This will mark a significant step forward in Ireland’s commitment to advancing quantum research and innovation. Quantum technologies are central to Ireland’s ambition in “deep tech” innovation across key strategic areas such as semiconductors, life sciences, sustainable energy, financial services and cybersecurity.
Minister Lawless said:
“Quantum technologies hold immense promise for addressing global challenges and enhancing our economic and societal wellbeing by driving breakthroughs across multiple sectors, including digital security, healthcare, climate modelling and advanced manufacturing.
“Ireland already has proven its strengths in quantum innovation. Irish start-ups are operating on the frontier of quantum developments, applying this cutting-edge technology to industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance and cybersecurity.
“The potential impact cannot be understated. Pharmaceutical companies have deployed quantum to prototype new drug pathways. Simulating a new cancer drug compound can sometimes take years. Quantum computing has the potential to reduce the time needed to develop such new treatments dramatically.
“Global financial services companies, many of which are located in Ireland, are investing significantly in adopting quantum for key activities such as asset and risk management. Quantum also embodies the scope for significant reductions in overall energy consumption and substantial reductions in carbon footprint for data centres in the future.”
By signing the European Quantum Pact, Ireland will join other EU Member States in committing to the development of a world-class quantum technology ecosystem across Europe. This will be integral to the development of a comprehensive advanced computing strategy for Ireland encompassing Quantum, High Performance Computing, AI and Big Data Infrastructure.
Minister Lawless added:
“Participation in the Pact will be critical to Ireland’s future competitiveness and the long-term sustainability of our economic model. It will strengthen Ireland’s ability to collaborate internationally, gaining access to shared infrastructures, research capacity and knowledge transfer networks.
“It will also inform my department’s response to the National Development Plan Review in terms of both essential national research infrastructure and the forthcoming Government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.”