Periodic Reporting for period 1 - QCIRCLE (QCIRCLE Center of Excellence: ACCELERATING QUANTUM IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY)
Período documentado: 2023-05-01 hasta 2024-10-31
QCIRCLE CoE is a Research and Innovation center settled in the Canary Islands (outermost Spanish region).
The Canary Islands' economy is primarily based on tourism, which represents the largest sector and a key driver of employment and GDP. The archipelago also has a strong agricultural sector, specializing in products such as bananas, tomatoes, and tropical fruits, which are exported mainly to mainland Spain and other European markets. Additionally, the islands benefit from a growing renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar power, due to their favorable climate conditions. Trade and services, supported by special economic incentives, further contribute to the region’s development.
In this context emerges QCIRCLE´s Center of Excellence (CoE), aiming to be the driver of change for Canary Islands´economic model and to become a triple-crown winner in quantum science becoming a reference as a quantum educator, a quantum research hub, and a quantum innovation hub to make sure quantum technology reaches society and markets in the Canary Islands.
For this, QCIRCLE CoE mobilizes the Canarian R&I ecosystem and will establish solid long-term high-level research, knowledge-transfer and innovation partnerships with the counterparts (Advanced Partners, AP) from ULM University, reference center for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Optics (Germany), Quantum Technologies Platform at Research Council, reference center for Quantum Algorithms and Communications (Spain) and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Austria).
The Canary Islands' economy is primarily based on tourism, which represents the largest sector and a key driver of employment and GDP. The archipelago also has a strong agricultural sector, specializing in products such as bananas, tomatoes, and tropical fruits, which are exported mainly to mainland Spain and other European markets. Additionally, the islands benefit from a growing renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar power, due to their favorable climate conditions. Trade and services, supported by special economic incentives, further contribute to the region’s development.
In this context emerges QCIRCLE´s Center of Excellence (CoE), aiming to be the driver of change for Canary Islands´economic model and to become a triple-crown winner in quantum science becoming a reference as a quantum educator, a quantum research hub, and a quantum innovation hub to make sure quantum technology reaches society and markets in the Canary Islands.
For this, QCIRCLE CoE mobilizes the Canarian R&I ecosystem and will establish solid long-term high-level research, knowledge-transfer and innovation partnerships with the counterparts (Advanced Partners, AP) from ULM University, reference center for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Optics (Germany), Quantum Technologies Platform at Research Council, reference center for Quantum Algorithms and Communications (Spain) and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Austria).
WP1: During this initial period of the project, the functional structure and organization of the CoE were defined, establishing the two main units and the key personnel associated with each: the Scientific Unit (ScU) and the Acceleration Unit (AcU). Additionally, some of the Committees that supports the ScU and AcU were formed. QCIRCLE hired talented researchers and managerial personnel focused on excellent science, technology transfer and social impact, and encourage their development within the CoE through mentoring programme, career plans and other growth and retention policies.
WP2: During this period was established the Scientific Unit (ScU) composed by four primary research domains (orbitals): Quantum & Photonics Technologies, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics & Mechanisms. A comprehensive roadmap was developed to anchor research efforts, featuring QCCs that span:
• Quantum Technologies (e.g. Quantum Sensing, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution, and Photonic Integrated Circuits).
• Supporting Technologies (e.g. Photonics, Machine Learning, and other enabling R&D efforts for quantum integration).
It was defined a structured, multi-step process ensuring the selection and execution of high-potential research initiatives.
WP3: During this reporting period, significant progress was achieved through a series of targeted activities designed to advance the operational excellence of CoE and QCC. These initiatives encompassed the definition and implementation of comprehensive strategies and methodologies to support technology transfer, market acceleration, and organizational scaling. The work outlined below demonstrates a concerted effort to align research objectives with market opportunities, enabling transition from innovation to commercialization
WP4: The involvement of stakeholders from the beginning of the project will be crucial to enhance the community’s acceptance of the proposed model. The strategy will focus on informing and incorporating the interest of society in the QCC projects throughout their stages to increase the impact of the future results and communicate the benefits to a wide range of audiences. This will be accomplished as follows:
• Scouting stage
• Research and Development stage
• Use Case stage
• Tech Transfer to society stage
Other actions related to WP4, focus on implementing a strategic communication plan to promote QCIRCLE, enhance awareness, and engage stakeholders. The dissemination and communication strategies have successfully positioned QCIRCLE as a leading centre of excellence, driving visibility and stakeholder engagement. The combination of branding, digital presence, and outreach has laid a solid foundation for further national and international impact.
WP5: The Acceleration Unit (AcU) has implemented a series of tools and methodologies aimed at ensuring the achievement of the objectives outlined in Annex 1. The AcU developed the analysis and implementation of digital tools for project management, such us Atlassian Jira, Atlassian Confluence and Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Atlassian Jira Service Desk. Implementation of Applied agile methodologies (Scrum) in activity development of the activities.
WP6: The designed infrastructure for QCIRCLE is structured as follows: the laboratories and equipment needed to implement the QCCs in everyday activity (ARC x QCIRCLE LABS). Second, the ARC x QCIRCLE BUILDING, and finally, the infrastructure provided by external collaborators such as Universities, Research Centers, Companies and APs (COLLABORATORS NETWORK). The first level has been satisfactorily implemented.
WP7: The Board of Directors of QCIRCLE has been working intensively to ensure its sustainability, particularly regarding funding from Public Administrations in the Canary Islands. Initial steps have been taken with the Island Council of Tenerife, and there is a commitment from the Government of the Canary Islands.
Additionally, QCIRCLE has implemented an intellectual property protection process, which has resulted in the submission of several patents that are currently under evaluation.
WP2: During this period was established the Scientific Unit (ScU) composed by four primary research domains (orbitals): Quantum & Photonics Technologies, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics & Mechanisms. A comprehensive roadmap was developed to anchor research efforts, featuring QCCs that span:
• Quantum Technologies (e.g. Quantum Sensing, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution, and Photonic Integrated Circuits).
• Supporting Technologies (e.g. Photonics, Machine Learning, and other enabling R&D efforts for quantum integration).
It was defined a structured, multi-step process ensuring the selection and execution of high-potential research initiatives.
WP3: During this reporting period, significant progress was achieved through a series of targeted activities designed to advance the operational excellence of CoE and QCC. These initiatives encompassed the definition and implementation of comprehensive strategies and methodologies to support technology transfer, market acceleration, and organizational scaling. The work outlined below demonstrates a concerted effort to align research objectives with market opportunities, enabling transition from innovation to commercialization
WP4: The involvement of stakeholders from the beginning of the project will be crucial to enhance the community’s acceptance of the proposed model. The strategy will focus on informing and incorporating the interest of society in the QCC projects throughout their stages to increase the impact of the future results and communicate the benefits to a wide range of audiences. This will be accomplished as follows:
• Scouting stage
• Research and Development stage
• Use Case stage
• Tech Transfer to society stage
Other actions related to WP4, focus on implementing a strategic communication plan to promote QCIRCLE, enhance awareness, and engage stakeholders. The dissemination and communication strategies have successfully positioned QCIRCLE as a leading centre of excellence, driving visibility and stakeholder engagement. The combination of branding, digital presence, and outreach has laid a solid foundation for further national and international impact.
WP5: The Acceleration Unit (AcU) has implemented a series of tools and methodologies aimed at ensuring the achievement of the objectives outlined in Annex 1. The AcU developed the analysis and implementation of digital tools for project management, such us Atlassian Jira, Atlassian Confluence and Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Atlassian Jira Service Desk. Implementation of Applied agile methodologies (Scrum) in activity development of the activities.
WP6: The designed infrastructure for QCIRCLE is structured as follows: the laboratories and equipment needed to implement the QCCs in everyday activity (ARC x QCIRCLE LABS). Second, the ARC x QCIRCLE BUILDING, and finally, the infrastructure provided by external collaborators such as Universities, Research Centers, Companies and APs (COLLABORATORS NETWORK). The first level has been satisfactorily implemented.
WP7: The Board of Directors of QCIRCLE has been working intensively to ensure its sustainability, particularly regarding funding from Public Administrations in the Canary Islands. Initial steps have been taken with the Island Council of Tenerife, and there is a commitment from the Government of the Canary Islands.
Additionally, QCIRCLE has implemented an intellectual property protection process, which has resulted in the submission of several patents that are currently under evaluation.
9 Patents applications since May 2023
Quantum Collaborative Circlesrunning during first period: more than 20 QCCs running per year.
Startups:
• 2 Startups funded and spun-out: Volinga (AI for Virtual Production) and Molefy (ALS drug)
• 1 startup in incubation trasferring IP: Sequre (Post-Quantum Cryptography)
• 4 Startups in the incubation process to spinning out: Pulsar (motors and actuators for Human-Robot Interface), Microderma (Algae anti-acne cosmetic), Zen (Cortisol biosensor) and Uncharted (AI for Drug Discovery)
Quantum Collaborative Circlesrunning during first period: more than 20 QCCs running per year.
Startups:
• 2 Startups funded and spun-out: Volinga (AI for Virtual Production) and Molefy (ALS drug)
• 1 startup in incubation trasferring IP: Sequre (Post-Quantum Cryptography)
• 4 Startups in the incubation process to spinning out: Pulsar (motors and actuators for Human-Robot Interface), Microderma (Algae anti-acne cosmetic), Zen (Cortisol biosensor) and Uncharted (AI for Drug Discovery)