Imagine uncovering new battery materials, crafting catalysts for sustainable energy, or synthesizing groundbreaking drug molecules in a mere fraction of today’s timeline. This isn’t just science fiction; it’s the promise of quantum computing—and Finland is leading the way.
In the city of Espoo, located just west of Helsinki, teams from VTT Technical Research Center and IQM Quantum Computers are diligently working on superconducting quantum processors, designed to solve problems that current classical computers simply can’t.
However, the transformative potential of these machines carries significant risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. The very technology poised to accelerate remarkable advancements could also dismantle today’s encryption standards by as early as the 2030s.
The threat is clear.
“Only by transitioning to quantum-safe solutions can we ensure that our digital services remain secure,” warns Visa Vallivaara, research team leader at BLimPQC (Beyond the Limits of Post-Quantum Cryptography).
Act now, decrypt later
In Espoo, teams at VTT Technical Research Center and IQM Quantum Computers are at the forefront of developing superconducting quantum processors.Photo: Hanna Saari/Visit Espoo
Guided by VTT, the three-year BLimPQC project launched in April 2025, prioritizing the development of quantum-safe encryption, identification systems, and the key management tools necessary for their deployment.
Vallivaara emphasizes the urgency of this transition: “The switch to quantum-safe encryption methods requires time, so our efforts must begin without delay.”
“Some people mistakenly believe that you need a quantum computer to implement post-quantum cryptography, but the reality is you can run it on a standard laptop,” he adds.
“The communication we send across the internet can already be intercepted and decrypted later using a quantum computer,” explains Visa Vallivaara.Photo courtesy of Visa Vallivaara
This shift is often equated to the Y2K scare, though it is far broader and more intricate. Y2K, which stands for “Year 2000,” revolved around fears that technology would falter as the date rolled from 1999 to 2000—problems arising from computer systems using two-digit year codes (“99”). Today’s looming threat is known ominously as “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL).
As Vallivaara articulates, “The data we transmit over the internet now—whether it’s encryption keys or sensitive health information—can be intercepted and later compromised by a quantum computer.”
Proactive measures are essential. Early adopters will sidestep the chaotic rush for upgrades, potentially avoiding scenarios where sensitive data has already been exposed.
Outsized impact
An employee works with a quantum computer test cryostat at VTT’s research facility.Photo: VTT
Though names like Nokia and Supercell have put Finland on the global map, the nation’s impact on the digital landscape goes deeper and is perhaps less visible.
“When you make a credit card payment, there’s a good chance our solutions ensure that the transaction is secure and properly authenticated as it passes through the world’s major banking systems,” explains Suvi Lampila, an SSH (Secure Shell) fellow at SSH Communications Security.
“In cybersecurity, Finland has played a far more significant role than many realize,” says Suvi Lampila of SSH Communications Security.Photo courtesy of Suvi Lampila
SSH Communications Security debuted its Secure Shell protocol three decades ago. Today, an impressive 95 percent of internet servers are equipped with SSH.
“Finland’s contributions to the cybersecurity sector have been substantial,” Lampila notes. “Many foundational technologies that power the internet have their roots here.”
The Finnish way
A collaboration of companies and organizations comes together for the BLimPQC initiative. Photo: IQM
The BLimPQC project represents a collaborative effort among cybersecurity firms, universities, and government agencies, highlighting Finland’s commitment to public-private partnerships in building digital resilience.
“If we compete too aggressively locally, we risk being overshadowed by larger nations,” Vallivaara states. “Finland has a long-standing tradition of collaboration among industry, academia, and government.”
This collaborative spirit is timely. “Even the largest corporations won’t navigate this transition to post-quantum cryptography on their own,” Lampila agrees.
“Working together on projects like this fosters a sense of shared purpose,” she adds. “It ensures that our innovations move beyond theory into practical implementation, benefiting from diverse contributions.”
The flat nature of Finland’s working culture further enhances this collaborative ethos. Good ideas take precedence over hierarchy. “In our society, it’s not about who comes up with an idea; it’s about how good it is,” Lampila says. “This openness facilitates advancement.”
By James O’Sullivan, July 2026