Swiss foundation provides EUR 1.4 million in support for quantum physics at IST Austria

© IST Austria

The Swiss NOMIS foundation is supporting the project “Hybrid Semiconductor – Superconductor Quantum Devices” at IST Austria with a financial grant amounting to EUR 1.4 million over the next four years. The aim of the research work is to develop building blocks for future quantum computers.

The quantum physicists Johannes Fink and Georgios Katsaros working at IST Austria are working on combining two distinct fields of quantum physics to achieve a new type of research approach. The focus is on developing novel types of hybrid devices consisting of a combination of semi- and superconductor elements, which may have the potential to serve as building blocks for future quantum computers.

Markus Reinhard, Managing Director of the NOMIS foundation, explained the intention behind the decision of the SWISS foundation. “At NOMIS we try to create a spark in the world of science by funding projects which go beyond common expectations. After a thorough peer-review we decided to support this novel and exciting approach of Profs. Fink and Katsaros. A further reason for our commitment is the excellent scientific environment IST Austria offers to basic researchers.”