New QUST Network Connects Semicon and Quantum Companies in Zuid-Holland
THIS IS A PRESS STATEMENT FROM INNOVATION QUARTER
Rotterdam, 27 March 2025 – QUST (Quantum & Semicon aan de Kust) is a newly established network organization that brings together companies and knowledge institutions to accelerate deeper integration between quantum and semiconductor technologies. Zuid-Holland is home to both a globally leading quantum cluster and a strong semiconductor industry, yet these two sectors have largely operated in isolation — until now. QUST aims to strengthen collaboration between quantum and semicon players in the region, enabling them to address shared challenges more rapidly and effectively. Focus areas include metrology, chip design, testing and validation, as well as quantum systems and subsystems, cryogenics and cryo-CMOS, and advanced 3D packaging and integration.
QUST encourages active engagement and contributions from companies, governments and other regions
With this platform, Zuid-Holland reinforces its position within both the Dutch and European semiconductor strategy. QUST works closely with the Dutch Chip Competence Centre and the Beethoven programme. Collaborating with Beethoven, QUST makes significant contributions to a working group focused on identifying essential technical skills and industry competencies for the future. These insights will help shape a resilient educational infrastructure, preparing new talent for careers in the semiconductor sector.
One of the major challenges for quantum companies is transitioning from lab to fab: establishing production facilities and developing stable, scalable processes that meet semiconductor standards. The expertise and infrastructure of the semiconductor industry can help accelerate this transition — strengthening the Netherlands' position in an increasingly competitive global tech landscape.
Although quantum and semicon technologies face several overlapping challenges, there has been no structural platform for collaboration in Zuid-Holland — until now. Quantum technology needs the semiconductor sector’s production expertise to scale effectively, while the semicon industry can gain enhanced performance through quantum materials such as graphene, topological insulators, and superconductors. In addition, the ultra-precise measurement and testing methods developed within the quantum sector could be applied to optimize chip manufacturing. QUST now provides a dedicated network where this technological exchange is central.
Ecosystem of High-Tech Companies and Knowledge Institutions
QUST was founded with support from the Province of Zuid-Holland, InnovationQuarter, and a broad consortium of companies and research institutions. Participating companies include Demcon, NXP, Technolution, Quantamap, Onnes Technologies, and Hittech, as well as fast-growing scale-ups like Nearfield Instruments and Orange Quantum Systems.
The initiative is managed by ImpaQT UA, a cooperative founded by Delft Circuits, Orange Quantum Systems, Qblox, and QuantWare,
In addition to industry, knowledge institutions play a key role. TNO, TU Delft, Leiden University, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences all contribute to R&D and talent development. Meanwhile, the Province of South Holland and InnovationQuarter strengthen the ecosystem through funding, infrastructure, and network support. Initial projects to accelerate innovation and collaboration are currently being explored.
The Dutch semiconductor industry generates over €30 billion in annual revenue and supports 60,000 FTEs. In the field of quantum technology, South Holland is recognized as a global leader. QUST focuses on building a collaborative ecosystem in which companies can share technologies and bring innovations to market faster.
