TU Delft appoints TNO’s Richard Versluis as Quantum and Computer Engineering Fellow

QCE Fellows establish a strategic connection between the academic world and external partners, like TNO, within a specific field of expertise. The Quantum and Computer Engineering Department at the Delft University of Technology addresses the engineering challenges in quantum-enabled systems and applications. As a QCE Fellow there, Richard will focus on advancing systems engineering approaches for quantum computers, pioneering the integration of different layers both from a blueprint/theoretical perspective and by building small-scale prototypes. The quantum computer architecture includes language specifications, compiler specifications, control hardware and software and quantum hardware to perform hybrid classical and quantum calculations.

Quantum revolution

TNO has built expertise in quantum technologies by blending its own targeted research and development with significant strategic partnerships. As a founding partner in QuTech, TNO contributed to the realisation of Quantum Inspire, the first publicly available online quantum computer in Europe and the first in the world to host two qubit technologies. This fellowship will be one of the enablers of the TNO quantum technology moonshot program. TNO predicts that quantum technology will be heralding a new technological revolution that will fundamentally affect our lives. Before 2030, quantum technology from the Netherlands will be used to solve problems for which computing power is currently lacking, and to achieve a safe internet. Our blueprints for quantum computers, quantum internet, and quantum sensors are helping the Netherlands achieve a leading global position in an entirely new branch of industry.

Richard Versluis: ‘I’m honored with this appointment which gives me the opportunity to accelerate the development of quantum computer technology by connecting the people and knowledge from both TNO and the university, and by focusing on solving the engineering challenges that lie ahead of us.’

Helen Kardan, Director of Science and Technology, Unit High Tech Industry: ‘Over the years, TNO has built expertise in quantum technologies, with Richard playing a significant contributing role. He, for instance, was a driving force behind the realization of Quantum Inspire. This fellowship recognizes his achievements in the field of quantum technology and strengthens our collaboration with academia and industry, thereby increasing the maturity of the technology.’

Rob Kooij, Head of the Quantum and Computer Engineering (QCE) Department: ‘We are delighted to welcome Richard to our QCE department as a Fellow. We are confident that as a principal systems engineer, with recognized expertise in quantum computing, Richard be able to advance systems engineering approaches for quantum computers, pioneering the integration of different layers both from a theoretical perspective and by building small-scale prototypes.’