European Quantum Industry Consortium appoints Dr. Thierry Botter as first Executive Director
The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) announced the appointment of Dr Thierry Botter as its first Executive Director effective as of August 1, 2021.
Botter joins the consortium from Airbus where he was deputy-head of central research and technology, Airbus cross-divisional research organisation, and head of Airbus Blue Sky, a research team dedicated to pioneering new and emerging technologies. He co-led the Airbus Quantum Computing Challenge, a global quantum-computing challenge designed to spearhead a quantum era in the aerospace sector.
“Dr. Thierry Botter has extensive experience in the quantum technology industry and research field”, said Laure Le Bars, president of the European Quantum Industry Consortium and research project director at SAP. “His strong connections throughout the global quantum ecosystem including the vibrant venture capital space and relationships with promising startups will help our mission to foster the common interests of the European quantum industry. We believe Dr Botter will play a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s global ambitions in quantum technologies.”
Over the past decade, Europe has hosted more than half of the world’s academic research groups in quantum technologies. Today, the region is home to several hundred companies and applied research organisations developing and deploying a wide range of technologies in quantum computing and simulation, quantum metrology and sensing, and quantum communications.
I am thrilled to be joining QuIC and help build a strong, unified quantum technology industry in Europe.
Thierry Botter / QuIC Executive Director
“Europe has an accomplished history in quantum research and development. Many European companies are already beginning to set their mark in the new areas of quantum technology,” says Thierry Botter. “I am thrilled to be joining QuIC and help build a strong, unified quantum technology industry in Europe.”
QuIC was established in early 2021 to bring together a broad network of European stakeholders to forge a dynamic and thriving quantum industry on the foundation of its world-leading research. The association already gathers 125 members, including large companies, SMEs, investors, academic and research organisations, and associations. Its formation has been welcomed by the European Commission as well as national governments across Europe. With the appointment of Botter, the operational set-up is now complete.
About QuIC
The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) is a non-for-profit association based in Jülich (Germany). Its mission is to boost European industry competitiveness in quantum technologies, to foster economic growth and value creation for business and citizens. QuIC operates as a collaborative hub throughout Europe to build a strong, vibrant ecosystem between SMEs, large corporations, investors, and leading researchers. Together, QuIC members are developing strategic roadmaps, advocating needs towards public stakeholders, nurturing a fair and sustainable QT business environment, engaging in pre-standardisation activities, developing IP strategies, and determining needs in education and skills.
