By Kasey Snyder

AI and quantum computing are evolving from isolated research topics into core infrastructure embedded across all global industries. How do we build, test, and scale the practical applications needed to lead this convergence?

The answer lies in connecting cutting-edge R&D with practical, real-world testing. This requires open ecosystems, ambitious international researchers, and bold startup founders.

The Power Shift: Quantum Meets AI and Industry

When we look at the future of deep tech, quantum computing and AI are not operating in separate silos. The future belongs to hybrid workflow that combine classical supercomputing, AI algorithms, and quantum processing.

At the epicenter event, Pekka Manninen (Director of the LUMI Leadership Computing Facility at CSC – IT Center for Science) emphasized the importance of AI sovereignty and European high-performance infrastructure. LUMI, Europe’s flagship supercomputer, is expanding its capabilities by integrating quantum processors into its high-performance stack. This hybrid infrastructure ensures Europe (and Finland specifically) remains at the forefront of computational sovereignty, capable of training next-generation AI models alongside quantum accelerators.

Practical Industrial R&D Needs Use Cases

Theoretical hardware development is advancing rapidly, moving from 5-qubit systems in 2021 toward 300+ qubit machines by 2027. The limiting factor for industry adoption is discovering practical use cases.

During the event, leaders across Finland’s quantum ecosystem highlighted how industrial R&D is already shifting toward real-world application:

• IQM Quantum Computers: Jouni Flyktman (VP of Defense & Security) outlined IQM’s full-stack strategy. He described IQM’s dual listings on Nasdaq NY and Helsinki, chip fabrication, quantum assembly, and data center integration in Espoo. Quantum processors offer exponentially faster computing while using significantly less energy than traditional supercomputing clusters. This provides an essential, energy-efficient path forward for global data centers facing energy strain. Early corporate use cases are already taking shape in rail scheduling, power plant maintenance, battery simulation, and FinTech anomaly detection.
• SemiQon: Himadri Majumdar (CEO & Co-Founder) shared how SemiQon is building semiconductor-based quantum processors designed for scalability and integration using existing silicon manufacturing infrastructures. To turn hardware into real-world impact, we need more startups and researchers building software and hardware layers that seamlessly interface with industrial requirements.
• Quanscient: Teemu Uotila (COO) showcased how software startups are harnessing multiphysics simulations combined with cloud and quantum capabilities to transform R&D for engineering, aerospace, and energy industries.

Why Finland Needs International Talent and Founders Now

To fully capture the potential of this convergence, Finland cannot rely on hardware alone. We need an influx of global builders, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

1. Democratizing Access to Compute: Giving open access to quantum hardware and supercomputing resources allows international students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs to experiment freely, uncovering novel algorithms and application-layer breakthroughs that legacy corporations might overlook.
2. Global Market Orientation from Day One: Deep tech hardware built in Finland serves global markets. Founding teams with international talent bring native access to cross-border capital, cross-industry networks, and global commercialization strategies.
3. Closing the Marketing and Commercialization Gap: Finnish innovation is second to none, but translating technical breakthroughs into world-changing applications requires visionary storytelling, strategic international positioning, and cross-border partnerships.

Looking Ahead

Finland has already established world-class foundations in photonics, semiconductor fabrication, supercomputing, and quantum engineering. However, winning the next tech wave requires actively attracting and integrating international talent, empowering startups to test practical applications, and nurturing a culture that scales research out of the lab and onto the global stage.

Whether you are a deep tech founder, researcher, or investor looking toward the Finnish tech ecosystem, the infrastructure is built and open for discovery. Now is the time to build.