This story is based on the Impact Assessment Study on Innovation in COST Actions, carried out by Technopolis, and interviews with participants in the TIPICQA COST Action.

The COST Action Trapped Ions: Progress in classical and quantum applications (TIPICQA) brought together research groups working with trapped ion technologies from across Europe and beyond. By connecting experts with both theoretical and experimental backgrounds, the Action created an environment in which scientific ideas could evolve into tangible applications.

Several start-up companies were founded as a result, with the aim of bringing trapped-ion quantum computers, as well as the necessary software and algorithms, to market.

It was equally important to provide young researchers and innovators with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to work in this rapidly evolving field of physics.

Understanding the potential of ion technologies

Ion trap technologies have the potential to significantly impact our daily lives, in particular via the precision spectroscopy experiments which they make possible. For example, they can enhance digital security by strengthening encryption and improve the accuracy of GPS systems, supporting everything from navigation to the timing of financial transactions.

TIPICQA brought together research groups from across Europe, ranging from fundamental research teams to Quantum Flagship projects participants. This collaborative platform has enabled researchers to exchange knowledge and develop new tools and ideas for using trapped ions in a variety of scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, nanoscience and bioscience.

The Action has already contributed to breakthroughs such as quantum-enhanced measurements and the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks. These achievements reflect just a fraction of the progress made possible through TIPICQA’s collaborative approach.

The Action has contributed to scientific advancements in the field of trapped ion technologies and to the development of economic product innovation in the form of start-up companies. Exchanging ideas, knowledge and experience, and collaborating to solve problems, has enabled highly specialised research groups to achieve breakthroughs based on trapped ion technologies that they might not have achieved alone. TIPICQA fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing across a wide network of research groups, uniting expertise in both theory and experimentation. This collaborative environment enabled the groups to stay informed about activities and technologies in the field, resulting in faster progress and paving the way for the creation of 11 start-up companies during the COST Action.

For example, Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) in Innsbruck, Austria, Universal Quantum and Oxford Ionics in the UK, or eleQtron in Germany, were all co-founded by members of the Action and are currently developing trapped ion quantum computers. Additionally, Algorithmiq in Finland and Kipu Quantum in Germany are focused on building quantum software solutions that translate theoretical advances into practical tools. These companies are just a few examples of how the Action’s scientific progress has led to new economic opportunities.

This vibrant innovation environment was further supported by collaboration with industry through major European projects, including AQTION, PASQuanS, the QIA Quantum Internet Alliance, and the EIC Pathfinder project BRISQ. Thanks to the foundation built by TIPICQA, participants were able to contribute both technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision to these initiatives.

One effective way of strengthening networking within the community was the creation of the Ion Trapper Newsletter, which covered recent publications, job vacancies, and conference announcements related to trapped ions. This newsletter was initiated in a previous COST Action ‘Ion Traps for Tomorrow’s Applications’, which focused on fundamental questions in different spectroscopy approaches and laid the necessary foundations for interactions and collaborations. The newsletter had a global reach of 1,100 subscribers, all over the world. These monthly updates have helped raise awareness of new technologies and activities in the field, stimulate new ideas, and initiate collaborations. The newsletter will continue to be published, addressing the global trapped ion community as well as the European one.

“Speaking as an ion trapper, I can say that we are convinced fans of the COST Programme. These two Actions have had an incredible impact on our community and have triggered various actions and collaborations which continue in a very dynamic way – even after the end of our COST Action.”

Dr Martina Knoop, Vice-Chair of TIPICQA and Chair of the ‘Ion Traps for Tomorrow’s Applications’ Action

The Action organised a series of focused, one-day virtual meetings with 200–300 participants for research groups wishing to deepen their knowledge of specific technologies. For example, one research group wanted to set up a cryogenic ion trap system and required more in-depth knowledge of how to do so. As part of this series, Cryogenic Ion Trapping Day was organised. Focusing on the use of ion traps in cryogenic environments, it brought together speakers from Europe and beyond to share their experience of building such systems and their best operational practices. As a result, research groups that were previously isolated (either geographically or because they were the only group in their country) are now integrated into the community.

These collaborations in the trapped ion field were particularly beneficial for young researchers and innovators (YRIs). As well as the Action’s short-term scientific missions and training schools, TIPICQA’s Early-Career Conferences on Trapped Ions gave YRIs a chance to exchange ideas and collaborate with each other. Organised by PhD students and postdocs, these conferences provided opportunities to share work and ideas, fostering important discussions and collaborations, as well as the development of skills necessary for a career in research or industry. Moreover, the educational sessions at these conferences, which covered topics such as writing proposals and scientific papers, contributed to the professional development of YRIs. The series of conferences targeting YRIs continues beyond the duration of the Action.

Looking ahead, TIPICQA is likely to have its most transformative impact through advances in quantum simulation and computing. These technologies have the potential to revolutionise the way we conduct research and develop products. For example, quantum cryptography and quantum networks could enable completely secure communication. Quantum computers will enable us to solve complex problems that were previously beyond our reach, with potential applications in science, meteorology, finance, security, and environmental research.

Read more about Trapped Ions: Progress in classical and quantum applications (TIPICQA)

Read more about Ion Traps for Tomorrow’s Applications

Discover the Quantum Flagship initiative