PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new 1.5 billion euro ($1.6 billion) investment plan aimed at boosting France’s position in quantum computing and advanced microprocessor technology as a worldwide race heats up in next-generation technologies.
Multiple international reports say the financing includes €1 billion to enhance France’s national quantum computing strategy and €550 million to bolster the country’s microelectronics and semiconductor industries. Macron claimed France had “the means to win this race” as countries compete to dominate the future of computing technology.
The declaration comes as countries around the world ratchet up investments in quantum technology, which experts say has the potential to transform areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, finance and cryptography. The move follows a recent U.S. pledge to invest billions of dollars into quantum computing startups to ensure supremacy in the technology.
The French quantum start-up Alice & Bob is likely to gain from the project. The startup recently gained the support of NVentures, the venture finance arm of Nvidia, as it looks to reduce faults in quantum hardware systems.
The French government is also pushing ahead with its PROQCIMA programme, which aims to have two French-designed universal quantum computer prototypes by 2032, boosting Europe’s desire for technological autonomy.
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