Luxembourg’s Quantum Strategy: Accelerating Digital Sovereignty by 2030

May 2025

View the original document

Strategies and Action Plans

Luxembourg’s Quantum Strategy is part of a broader digital agenda that integrates data, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies. The initiative stems from the country’s ambition to become a European hub for digital innovation, scientific advancement, and economic resilience. It was developed jointly by the Ministry of State, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, the Ministry of the Economy, and the Ministry for Digitalisation, with significant input from the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors.

The strategy aims to solidify Luxembourg’s position in the global quantum landscape by 2030 and ensure its technological sovereignty within the EU. It builds on existing national strategies in AI and data and forms one of three interconnected pillars for digital transformation.

Objectives

The strategy outlines three overarching goals:

  1. Develop quantum computing capabilities and services
    – Implementation of MeluXina-Q, Luxembourg’s first quantum computer, integrated into the national HPC infrastructure.
    – Support early-stage quantum algorithm and software development.
  2. Build a quantum-secure communication infrastructure
    – Accelerate deployment of terrestrial and satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks.
    – Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to prepare public and private systems for future quantum threats.
  3. Drive economic value through quantum technologies
    – Invest in foundational technologies like wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors.
    – Support innovation clusters and facilitate public-private partnerships through the “Quantum Factory.”

Quantum technologies and their role

The strategy elaborates on the transformative potential of:

  • Quantum computing: For solving complex problems in materials science, finance, logistics, and health.
  • Quantum communication: For secure data exchange through QKD and integration with the EU’s EuroQCI and IRIS² satellite systems.
  • Quantum sensing: For precise measurements in areas such as navigation, medical diagnostics, and infrastructure monitoring.

Implementation through six enablers

Luxembourg’s quantum ambitions are operationalised through six strategic enablers common to its digital strategy corpus:

  1. Governance and regulations
    – Establishment of a National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO).
    – Creation of advisory committees for key initiatives and coordination with European standards and regulations.
  2. Talents and skills
    – Development of specialised Master’s and PhD programmes.
    – Upskilling through workshops, executive education, and the Digital Learning Hub.
    – Attracting international talent and promoting interdisciplinary education.
  3. Infrastructures
    – Deployment of MeluXina-Q and its integration with MeluXina-AI and HPC platforms.
    – Design of a scalable and secure quantum infrastructure accessible via the EuroHPC Federation Platform.
  4. Service ecosystem
    – Creation of user-friendly software tools and hybrid classical-quantum applications.
    – Support for startups and SMEs through quantum readiness frameworks.
  5. Research and innovation
    – Support for national R&D in quantum chips, cryptography, and sensors.
    – Establishment of the Deep Tech Lab and Quantum Factory to facilitate technology transfer.
  6. International collaboration
    – Active role in EuroHPC, EuroQCI, Horizon Europe, and other EU programmes.
    – Cooperation on space-based QKD via the EAGLE-1 satellite mission, and bilateral partnerships (e.g. Belgium, Ireland, Japan).

Key infrastructure projects

  • MeluXina-Q: A EuroHPC-hosted quantum computer to be operational in 2026.
  • LuxQCI: National programme aligned with EuroQCI to develop secure quantum communication.
  • EAGLE-1: A satellite mission for QKD, led by Luxembourg, supporting secure pan-European quantum communication.

Roadmap

Luxembourg’s Quantum Strategy sets a clear roadmap to:

  • Become an innovation leader in secure quantum networks and post-quantum cryptography.
  • Position itself as a frontrunner in Europe’s emerging quantum economy.
  • Leverage its compact size, robust digital infrastructure, and international openness to build a resilient and sovereign digital future.

The strategy concludes with a phased action plan up to 2030, detailing key milestones for infrastructure, talent development, ecosystem building, and international positioning.