Quantum Technologies: Enter the New Era of Computing

Sensors, communications, quantum computing: technologies that are redefining the limits of measurement, security, and computing power.
At the intersection of physics, computer science, electronics, and mathematics, quantum technologies are profoundly transforming the way we compute, communicate, and measure the world by harnessing phenomena that cannot be replicated using classical technologies. The University of Grenoble Alpes (Université Grenoble Alpes , UGA), working closely with key players in the Grenoble research ecosystem—the CEA, CNRS, and Inria—is affirming its role as a major player in quantum science in France.

The UGA is developing its quantum strategy within a comprehensive framework that addresses societal challenges: security, communications, environmental transition, and technological governance. This approach is essential for building the quantum sector of tomorrow.

The UGA plays a central role in France's quantum strategy:
  • It invests in high-quality education, from pre-university through doctoral level, to strengthen expertise in the field.
  • It forms the backbone of a powerful local ecosystem that combines research and innovation at the heart of the Grenoble ecosystem, thereby contributing to national technological sovereignty.
  • It fully incorporates the interdisciplinary, societal, and industrial aspects of quantum science.
  • It promotes research findings and fosters the development of a local and national quantum industry.

A Unique Quantum Ecosystem

Through the QuantAlps research federation, the Maison du quantique, and national programs such as QuanTEdu-France, UGA is fully committed to the National Strategy for Quantum Technologies, which aims to position France among the global leaders in the sector.

The QuantAlps Research Consortium brings together more than 230 scientists from UGA, CEA, CNRS, and Inria to work on key quantum topics: computing, simulation, sensors, communications, and cryptography. With 25 participating laboratories, the Grenoble ecosystem is one of France’s three major quantum hubs, covering the entire value chain: qubit fabrication, control electronics, error correction, quantum-classical interfacing, and algorithm development.

The opening in 2025 of The House of Quantum Physics, part of the national HQI (hybrid quantum computing) program, underscores the commitment of UGA and its partners to establishing a true hub dedicated to training, innovation, and technology transfer. This strategic location brings together researchers, startups, and industry partners to collaborate, pool resources, and accelerate development, drawing on state-of-the-art infrastructure that strengthens the scientific and economic synergies of the Grenoble ecosystem.

Through QuantAlps and the Maison du Quantique Alpes, UGA aims to build a robust ecosystem for commercializing quantum technology, bringing together startups, companies, and shared technology platforms. As part of this effort, the university is committed to close collaboration with industry and economic stakeholders, both locally and nationally. The overall goal is to transform scientific advances into practical applications (sensors, communications, computing) while contributing to the development of the French and European quantum industries.

The Quantum Bit at the Néel Institute
Atthe Néel Institute, researchers and engineers are working on the development of so-called quantum computers, which are more powerful but also more complex than classical computers.

Training to Meet the Future Needs of the Quantum Industry

The QuanTEdu-France Program, coordinated by the Université Grenoble Alpes and a winner of the "Skills and Jobs of the Future" (AMI CMA) call for projects, brings together 25 national institutions to provide training in the field of quantum technologies. Its ambition is to build and structure an open and attractive educational offering to meet the future needs of the quantum industry.

Key points of the educational strategy at UGA:
  • Promoting interdisciplinarity:
    Involving physicists, engineers, computer scientists, as well as lawyers and philosophers.
  • Incorporating innovative methods:
    Practical work, technology platforms, collaboration with industry.
  • International visibility and appeal:
    Programs also designed to attract international students.
The program covers all levels, from pre-college through doctoral studies. Initial and continuing education rely on QuanTEdu-France to accelerate skill development.

Awareness-raising and outreach activities

The broadcast of a Quantum Science Culture is a key component of the program QuanTEdu-France. Numerous initiatives to awareness-raising and outreach are organized to make quantum concepts accessible to a wide audience: lectures, exhibitions, presentations in schools, and special events.

These initiatives aim to demystify a technology that is often perceived as complex and to promote understanding of it among everyone, while encouraging future careers in science. In this way, they help to firmly establish quantum technologies in the collective imagination and in the region's scientific culture.

Alain Aspect, 2022 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Delivers Special Lecture at UGA.
On October 3, 2025, Alain Aspect was invited to deliver a special lecture on the Saint-Martin-d’Hères campus. More than 800 people gathered in the Weil Auditorium for the event. It was also an opportunity to gather audience feedback after the lecture and to hear from the UGA’s Vice President for Culture and Scientific Culture.
 
The following are involved in the field of quantum physics:
  • 25 laboratories.
  • More than 230 scientists.

 
Published on 17 October 2025
Updated on 10 September 2026