Gov’t plans national quantum labs under infrastructure expansion push
The vice president for science, technology and the knowledge-based economy announced prioritization of the expansion of infrastructure for quantum technologies as well as plans to establish national and reference laboratories as part of the effort.
According to Mehr news agency, Hossein Afshin made the remarks at the eighth meeting of Iran's Quantum Steering Council, where participants reviewed recent progress in quantum technology development, implementation of previous council decisions and future plans for the sector.
Afshin said the development of quantum technology required "cohesion, a national division of responsibilities and the use of the capacities of all relevant institutions," adding that the Quantum Steering Council should serve as the main body for coordination and synergy among government agencies.
He said the vice presidency's plans include establishing national and reference laboratories, completing research infrastructure and creating evaluation and standardization centers for quantum technologies.
"Creating standardized and accessible infrastructure for researchers, universities and knowledge-based companies is a prerequisite for building a strong quantum technology ecosystem in the country," he said.
Afshin said the development of infrastructure for quantum technologies was among the vice presidency's priorities.
He said expanding educational and research laboratories, supporting specialized university courses, strengthening training programs, producing scientific content and creating incentives for students and researchers to enter the field were among the initiatives being pursued in cooperation with the Ministry of Science.
Workforce shortage, quantum tech market
Afshin also described the limited number of specialized personnel as one of the country's main challenges in developing quantum technologies, saying universities, faculty members and researchers should receive targeted support to help address the shortage.
Afshin also emphasized the need to expand the market for quantum technologies, saying the technology was being developed for applications in communications, mining, energy, industry, healthcare and other strategic sectors to support technological progress while creating a sustainable market and incentives for specialists.