The University of Edinburgh is set to lead a new Quantum Software Alliance (QSA), bringing together scientists from around the world to champion and coordinate the development of quantum software and algorithms.

The QSA will work to support quantum computing’s shift from lab-based theory to real-world applications, with researchers from four continents providing practical recommendations to accelerate the discovery of new software and enhance the performance of next-gen machines.

The partnership will centre on the essential role quantum software plays in moving from small, error‑prone quantum devices to applications capable of delivering meaningful social and economic benefits, aiming to find solutions to the main questions confronting researchers.

“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,” said Professor Chris Heunen, chair of the QSA steering committee.

Creating an agenda of research priorities, the Alliance will provide the scientific community with a coherent development framework, one which encourages collaboration and informs future policy and funding decisions.

Crucially, the QSA aims to work with policymakers and funding agencies to establish quantum research programmes that place a more strategic focus on the development of quantum algorithms and software.

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These advances are central to the future of quantum information processing, enabling systems to store and manipulate vast amounts of data in ways that could tackle complex problems far more efficiently than classical computers.

“Even the most powerful quantum computer will need software and algorithms to create useful applications that deliver genuine benefits for industry and society,” said Professor Elham Kashefi, chief scientist at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre and a convener of the QSA.

“We now need a dedicated focus on developing quantum algorithms and protocols that can derive the most value from scalable hardware platforms, otherwise there is a real risk that a fault-tolerant machine will not be able to achieve the computational advantage that has been promised for quantum computing.”