The agreement was signed by Minister Heleen Herbert of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and the Japanese Minister for Science and Technology, Ms Kimi Onoda. Under the agreement, the Netherlands and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation between researchers, businesses and knowledge institutions. Specifically, this involves the exchange of knowledge, talent development and the joint development and application of new quantum technology. Through this, both countries aim to accelerate research and innovation and contribute to a strong, international quantum ecosystem.
Visit to Delft University of Technology
As part of the visit, the delegation also visited TU Delft, where it was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ir Hester Bijl. The delegation visited QuTech, TU Delft’s quantum institute, and Dr Ryoichi Ishihara’s laboratory within the Quantum Integration Technology group. The programme concluded with a visit to the House of Quantum (HoQ), a national hub in Delft where researchers, companies and start-ups collaborate on quantum technology.
The importance of international cooperation
During the visit, it was emphasised that quantum technology is becoming increasingly strategic and that international partnerships are essential to retaining knowledge, talent and resilient supply chains. Such cooperation helps countries to develop quantum technologies securely and to strengthen their strategic autonomy, a message that ties in well with the new agreement between the Netherlands and Japan.
