Iran to Establish Quantum Communications, Atomic Clock Reference Labs

“The quantum field has three sections of quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensors, and in the quantum communications section, we are seeking to launch a reference laboratory in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications,” Afshin said.

Noting that the quantum communications laboratory is due to be developed in cooperation with the ICT Research Institute, he said, “If all stages of this project go well and the memorandum of understanding between us and the Ministry of Communications is finalized, this laboratory will be established next year."

Afshin explained that establishment of this laboratory will help to significantly accelerate the development of quantum communications, adding, “We plan to establish reference laboratories in the three areas of quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensors.

“Since the field of quantum sensors is diverse, we need to establish a series of reference laboratories, and we will soon prepare the first atomic clock laboratory (in the field of atomic sensors), which is related to the field of quantum sensors,” he underlined.

“This laboratory is in partnership with one of the country's universities, the name of which we will publish in the future,” Afshin said.

The National Document for the Development of Quantum Sciences and Technologies was approved in April with a focus on ten-year strategies for the advancement of this field and with the goal to place Iran among the leading countries in quantum technology and increase investment in this area to $50 million in the next three years.

One of the goals of this document is to increase Iran’s investment volume in the quantum field to $50 million in the next three years. This document has been prepared and compiled in six main axes of value principles, vision, macro goals, strategies, priority areas, and a monitoring mechanism.

The human resource in this field is set to increase. Developing higher education and attracting researchers to enhance Iran's position in scientific production and international patent registration are other goals in the quantum field.

These technologies play a strategic role in the security, communication, and economic fields of the world, and Iran should also have an effective presence in this field with long-term planning.

Based on this document, indicators like the number of researchers, specialized laboratories, scientific articles, and research contracts with executive agencies will improve over the next 10 years.

At present, Iran enjoys a significant position in the region in production of quantum articles, but there is a need to develop infrastructure and cooperate between the academic and industrial sectors.

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Azra Varasteh