CQT becomes a founding member of the Quantum Software Alliance

The Alliance is a global network to champion and coordinate the development of quantum software

A global network was launched on 10 February 2026 to put a spotlight on quantum software.

The Quantum Software Alliance (QSA), founded by 21 academic centres including the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore, will champion and co-ordinate the development of quantum software and algorithms.

The goal is to support quantum computing’s shift from lab-based theory to real-world applications.

Professor Chris Heunen, Chair of the QSA Steering Committee, said: “Our role at the QSA is to ensure that quantum software researchers receive the attention and support they need to accelerate the innovation pathway towards practical quantum computing.”

Global Research Agenda

Representatives from the network have drafted a Global Research Agenda available at quantumsoftwarealliance.org. It calls for establishing a “software roadmap based on rigorous resource estimation”.

With its global outlook and independent ethos, the QSA will champion the development of open and interoperable solutions that can boost collaboration and innovation. It is also committed to providing independent and expert advice to government, industry and the public.

CQT Director José Ignacio Latorre, who also serves on the QSA Steering Committee, says “The Quantum Software Alliance gives a strong voice to researchers. This is important. We can take responsibility to make the technology work for the good of society and to communicate without hype.”

The QSA also makes a direct appeal to policymakers and funding agencies to support community-driven efforts, and to formulate quantum research programmes that place a more strategic focus on the development of quantum algorithms and software.

Under Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy, there is support to develop quantum software and applications at the National Quantum Computing Hub. CQT is a partner in the Hub, together with A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing and the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore.

A global quantum initiative

The QSA was announced at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) held in Accra, Ghana, 10-11 February.

Professor Yasser Omar from the University of Lisbon, member of the IYQ Steering Committee and of the QSA Steering Committee, was attending the event to speak on a panel. He took the opportunity to introduce QSA to the global audience.

“The launch of the QSA today shows how the closing of the International Year of Quantum is also the beginning of a global quantum initiative, setting the ground for others to follow, and for the establishment of an international Quantum Decade,” he said.

Other organisations are invited to join the QSA. Full membership is available to academic centres and supporting membership is open to relevant companies.