Two new members have recently joined the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Development of Quantum Technologies in Latvia. On July 18, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) became the latest additions to the memorandum, bringing the total number of partners to 13. The presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, and the Director of EDI, Modris Greitāns graced the signing ceremony. Existing cooperation partners such as the Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens, the Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, and the Chairman of the Board of LVRTC Ģirts Ozols, among others, were also in attendance. Ausma Grīnfelde, Deputy Director, represented the ISSP UL during the signing of the MoU.
In 2022, a group of leading Latvian scientists and academics from institutions such as the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia (ISSP UL), and the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Latvia came together to establish the Latvian Quantum Initiative. This initiative aims to oversee and coordinate quantum technology-related activities in Latvia, engage in European quantum technology networks, address the needs of the Latvian industry, and advocate for its interests in the development of quantum technologies.
In 2023, eleven initiative partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Development of Quantum Technologies in Latvia. These partners included PLC "Latvian State Radio and Television Centre", PLC "Electronic Communications", the University of Latvia, Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, LLC "LMT", LLC "Tet", LLC "Mikrotīkls", Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
The Memorandum outlines various objectives, including enhancing the international competitiveness of Latvian high technologies in the quantum technologies sector through the development of local expertise and innovations, establishing a test environment for technological solutions, supporting the creation and adaptation of innovative quantum technology solutions, fostering collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors for knowledge transfer in Latvia’s national economy, and convening regular meetings to review progress on existing initiatives, ongoing projects, and collaborative efforts in quantum technology development.
Andris Anspoks, the director of ISSP UL, highlighted the institute’s preparedness to contribute to the Latvian Quantum Initiative. With extensive experience in large-scale research projects, expertise in electronic and photonic component design and implementation, materials science, solid-state physics, and state-of-the-art materials characterization and testing equipment, ISSP UL is well-equipped to support the initiative. The institute operates the region’s most advanced nanotechnology research center, featuring a 650-square-meter ISO 9001:2015-certified cleanroom facility. The Nanotechnology Centre serves as an open-access infrastructure with a modern laboratory management system. At the same time, the ISSP UL industry collaboration platform, Materize, will facilitate innovation development and industry partnerships as a centralized access point.
For further details regarding the signing of the MoU, please visit this link.
To learn more about the Latvian Quantum Initiative, click here.
