Quantum experts from Taiwan and The Netherlands meet in Leiden
PHYSICS
Photonics, quantum research and semiconductor technology: Leiden University welcomed a high-level international delegation from Taiwan, to explore new opportunities for working together on innovations for future photonic quantum computers.
Taiwan Research Day in Leiden
The Taiwan Research Day on the 27th of March underscored our university’s longstanding commitment to international collaboration and highlighted the growing strategic importance of joint research in areas such as photonics, semiconductors and innovation ecosystems.
Working together on photonics technology
Key topic in this meeting was photonics, a technology that uses light instead of electricity. It plays an important role in things like faster internet, medical devices and smart sensors.
Leiden University brought to the table its expertise on creating and measuring quantum states of light, as well as experts on implementing quantum software algorithms. Taiwan possesses one of the world’s most comprehensive and densely clustered semiconductor ecosystems.
‘Days like this spark collaborations and boost science and technology,’ reflects Professor Jasper Knoester, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. ‘By working together, Dutch and Taiwanese researchers can speed up innovation in this field. It is inspiring to welcome both colleagues from Taiwan and Europe and hear their excellent discussions.’
Associate professor Michiel de Dood: ‘Through the Photonics-Taiwan Consortium and the Photon Delta research programme, our university contributes to developing pathways to photonic quantum computing, an effort lead by QuiX Quantum B.V. and Jelmer Renema at TU/e. The aim of this collaboration is to be at the forefront globally, and to become the first to create a photon-based quantum computer.’
Photon Delta
The Taiwan Research Day forms part of a broader framework of cooperation between Dutch and Taiwanese partners through the NWO-KIC consortia in photonics (Taiwan) and is further strengthend by initiatives supported by the Dutch Research Council (PhotonDelta, National Growth Fund) and bilateral programmes such as TechBridge. These initiatives aim to stimulate cross-border research and development, particularly in photonic integrated circuits – a key enabling technology for next-generation computing, communication and sensing applications.
Creating opportunities for the next generation
Taiwan Research Day was not only about sharing knowledge. It also created opportunities for early-career researchers to present their research. This way, they had the chance to meet experts, ask questions and build their own international networks.
Events like Taiwan Research Day show how important global collaboration has become. By working closely with international partners, Leiden University continues to play an active role in tackling worldwide challenges.