Dr. Philippe Bouyer is currently Deputy Director of the Institute d’Optique (Nouvelle Aquitaine Branch) and former founding Director of the Laboratory of Photonics, Digital and Nanosciences at CNRS, IOGS, Université Bordeaux. In addition, he is co-founder and advisory chief scientist of Muquans (now iXBlue), a France-based company dedicated to quantum precision sensors. Dr. Bouyer received his Ph.D. in 1994 from the École Normale Supérieure/laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Université Paris Sud. Subsequently, he was a visiting professor of physics at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, among other positions. His current research interest concerns matter-wave interferometry for tests of general relativity in microgravity and detection of gravitational waves.

International ambition

With Bouyer’s appointment, Quantum Delta NL takes another important step in positioning the Netherlands as a new Silicon Valley for quantum technology for Europe. With the allocation of 615 million euros from the National Growth Fund in April last year, Quantum Delta NL is rolling out a programme with three catalyst (CAT) programmes and four action lines for this purpose. In CAT-1, work is being done on Quantum Inspire, the first public European quantum computer in the cloud. In the CAT-2 programme, the foundation is being laid for the next generation of digital infrastructure in the Netherlands and a quantum internet network is being developed. In CAT-3, companies and knowledge institutes work together on the development of the technology and applications of quantum sensing. In addition, the program includes action lines on all parts of the ecosystem: research and innovation (Action Line 1), entrepreneurship and ecosystem development (Action Line 2), talent (Action Line 3) and social impact (Action Line 4). 

In addition to his appointment at Quantum Delta NL, work is currently underway to embed Bouyer within the UvA and TU/e. 

Ronald Hanson, board chairman Quantum Delta NL: “We are proud that a top international scientist like Philippe Bouyer chooses to advance the Dutch quantum ecosystem. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and a network that will help us achieve our ambitions.“

Philippe Bouyer: “Quantum Delta NL is founded with the aim of seizing the opportunities that quantum offers. There is a strong ‘quantum community’ looking at all aspects and possibilities of quantum technology.  I look forward to being a part of that.“

Director for Science and Technology Ronald Hanson and Philippe Bouyer of Quantum Delta NL. Photo by Maarten Nauw