Quantum Lab platform
The Quantum Lab brings together quantum expertise at the ZHAW School of Engineering and translates it into practice together with partners from science, industry and public administration.
Quantum technologies are changing how we simulate materials, optimise systems, secure data, and develop sensors and computing platforms. Under the umbrella of the Quantum Lab, the ZHAW School of Engineering brings together complementary expertise from several institutes — from software, algorithms and data science to physics, optics, mechanics and embedded systems — to advance application-oriented quantum topics.
Together with regional and national partners, researchers develop methods, prototypes and qualification formats from fundamentals to practice, including access to quantum resources through collaborations with quantum computing hubs and cloud platforms. The Quantum Lab strengthens the visibility of quantum activities at ZHAW and makes it easier for industry and other universities to find the right contacts.
Focus areas and topics
- Quantum simulation for chemistry and materials, including mechanics of materials
- Quantum numerical methods and Monte Carlo approaches for finance, engineering simulation and physics
- Quantum machine learning: NLP, inverse problems and hybrid classical–quantum workflows
- Quantum optimisation for logistics, finance, and structural and materials design
- Post-quantum security and cryptography, where relevant
- Hybrid quantum–classical approaches, for example coupling with FEM and numerical linear algebra
- Value creation, services and the societal context of quantum technologies
- Experimental quantum technologies: sensors, photonics, cryogenics and teaching demonstrators
Research projects
Research is carried out with partners from industry and the public sector, as well as with other Swiss universities and research centres.
- Collaboration with the Swiss quantum ecosystem and commercial quantum platforms, for example to benchmark quantum algorithms and develop use cases relevant to organisations and companies
- Joint initiatives with Swiss and international stakeholders in quantum computing and information processing; seminars and workshops support exchange between research and application
- Simulation-, hardware- and optics-related work, for example modelling light–matter systems and developing demonstration set-ups for sensors and instrumentation, bringing together institutes with complementary labs
- Integration with existing ZHAW continuing education programmes in quantum computing, as well as student projects at bachelor’s and master’s level
Participating institutes and centres
Partners
The platform works with Swiss and European partners, for example on quantum centres, computing capacities and communities of practice. Specific projects and shared infrastructures are being developed on an ongoing basis.