National Quantum Office

What National Quantum Office does

The National Quantum Office (NQO) is a Singapore government national platform established in April 2022 and hosted by A*STAR under the National Research Foundation (NRF) mandate to drive the development and implementation of Singapore's National Quantum Strategy. NQO coordinates and oversees a portfolio of seven national quantum programmes and research centres: the Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP, ~S$121.6 million cumulative funding across 1.0 and 2.0 phases); the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT, established 2007 at NUS with over 200 staff and students); the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN); the National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH); the National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF, hosted at A*STAR's IMRE); the National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI); and the National Quantum Sensor Programme (NQSP). The Quantum Sensing Centre (QSC) was jointly launched with MINDEF and DSO National Laboratories. Together, these assets span quantum computing, quantum-safe communications, quantum processor hardware (trapped ions, neutral atoms, photonics), quantum sensing (PNT, remote sensing, biomedical), and micro/nano-device fabrication.

NQO does not generate commercial revenue. It operates as a coordination, funding allocation, and ecosystem-stewardship body, with approximately S$300 million committed by the NRF over 2022-2027 to drive the National Quantum Strategy. Its customer base is effectively the Singapore public sector and its research ecosystem: A*STAR, NRF, MINDEF/DSO, NUS, NTU, SUTD, IHPC, NSCC, and selected industry partners (e.g., Quantinuum, SpeQral, SGInnovate, AWS, Keysight, IQM, Pasqal, Quobly, CNRS, VTT, Osaka QIQB, and Qolab). Distribution is purely government-to-institution via national programmes, not commercial channels.

Internationally, NQO has built bilateral MOUs with Finland (VTT/CSC/IQM, 2023), Sweden (QSIP, Vinnova, and ten universities, Oct 2025), France (CNRS, Pasqal, Quobly, Quantonation, Nov 2025), the United States (Quantinuum, Nov 2025, with Helios deployment in 2026), and Japan (Osaka QIQB, Apr 2026), positioning Singapore as a networked node in the global quantum ecosystem rather than a closed domestic programme. Leadership is a small senior team — Executive Director Ling Keok Tong, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Rakesh Jaiswal, and Director Wilber Lim — overseeing a staff of approximately seven direct employees, with execution delivered through partner institutions.

Name

National Quantum Office

Legal name

National Quantum Office

Website

https://nqo.sg

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The National Quantum Office is a Singapore government national platform, hosted by A*STAR under the National Research Foundation, that coordinates the country's National Quantum Strategy across seven programmes covering quantum computing, communications, sensing, processors, and device fabrication. It serves Singapore's public-sector research ecosystem and partners with international quantum hardware and software firms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Quantum Technology Research Coordination

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

akta.pro primary industry

Quantum Education, Workforce Development & Academic Centers (HDAGAMAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Provider Quantum Aggregators & Marketplaces (HDAGAIAC), Quantum-Safe Network Infrastructure & Migration (PQC-enabled Networking) (HDAGAFAG), PQC Migration, Readiness Assessment & Crypto-Agility (HDAGAGAD), Quantum Security (PQC/QKD) Training & Readiness Services (HDAGALAG), Quantum Software Engineering & Toolchain Training (HDAGALAF), Managed Quantum Services & Operations (M-QOps) (HDAGALAL)

Keywords

• Quantum technology coordination
• National quantum programmes
• Quantum-safe communications
• Quantum computing hub
• Quantum sensor development

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The National Quantum Office (NQO) is a national platform established in April 2022 and hosted by A*STAR to drive Singapore's National Quantum Strategy. It coordinates and funds a portfolio of national quantum programmes (QEP, CQT, NQSN, NQCH, NQFF, NQPI, NQSP, QSC) covering quantum computing, quantum-safe communications, quantum sensing, quantum processor development, and translational research. NQO partners with public research institutions, defence agencies, and industry players to build an integrated quantum RIE ecosystem, supported by approximately S$300 million of government funding over five years.

Product overview

The National Quantum Office (NQO) is a national platform that drives Singapore's quantum technology development through a portfolio of interconnected national programmes and research centres. The core offering consists of five national-level quantum programmes: NQSN (quantum-safe communications), NQCH (quantum computing), NQFF (quantum device fabrication), NQSP (quantum sensing), and NQPI (quantum processors). These are supported by the Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP), which provides translational research funding and coordination, and the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Singapore's foundational research hub established in 2007. The Quantum Sensing Centre (QSC) was jointly launched by NQO and MINDEF in 2025. Together, these programmes form an integrated ecosystem from basic research through to commercial translation, positioning Singapore as Asia's quantum hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) A national programme initiated in 2018 to establish a competitive quantum engineering research community in Singapore, focusing on translating quantum research in quantum communication, security, computing, processors, and sensors into commercially viable applications. Supported by NRF with total investment of S$121.6 million across QEP1.0 and QEP2.0 phases, administered by NQO.
• Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) Established in 2007 at NUS, CQT brings together physicists, computer scientists, and engineers for basic research on quantum physics and building quantum devices. Has over 200 staff and students with researchers at partner institutions including A*STAR, NTU, and SUTD.
• National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) A three-year initiative led by the Quantum Engineering Programme to establish a nationwide programme and field-deployed testbed for quantum-safe communication technologies, evaluating security and demonstrating integration of quantum-safe applications and use cases.
• National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) A joint initiative to promote industry collaborations and accelerate advancements in quantum computing technology, research, and applications, led by members from CQT, A*STAR's IHPC, and the National Supercomputing Centre.
• National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) A programme hosted at A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering to build capabilities in the design, fabrication, and testing of micro- and nano-devices essential for quantum technologies, consolidating access to cleanroom networks in Singapore.
• National Quantum Sensor Programme (NQSP) The national coordinator of quantum sensing research efforts covering Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Remote Sensing (RS), and Biomedical Sensing and Imaging (BSI), focused on translating technologies beyond Technology Readiness Level 4.
• National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI) An initiative to build Singapore's capabilities in designing and developing quantum processors using trapped ions and neutral atom arrays, as well as critical component technologies in photonics.
• Quantum Sensing Centre (QSC) A joint initiative by Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and NQO, implemented by DSO, serving as a hub for global experts to advance quantum sensing technologies across five key focus areas.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over S$300 million invested in National Quantum Strategy over five years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Osaka - Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2026MoU between NQCH and QIQB to support collaboration on middleware and hybrid quantum-classical stacks.
• CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025Expanded MoU covering quantum computing in addition to earlier work in quantum photonics and quantum energetics. Collaboration on quantum error handling for practical applications like drug discovery and financial modelling.
• PasqalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025Master Research Collaboration Agreement with NQO-led National-level Quantum Programmes for neutral atom quantum processors. Research areas include improving quantum computation accuracy, quantum algorithm efficiency, and developing hardware components for next-generation quantum computers.
• QuoblycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025Research Collaboration Agreement with NQFF for testing and characterising qubit chips, improving chip design for scalability. Quobly is developing silicon spin-qubit technologies on industrial semiconductor platforms.
• QuantonationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 November 2025French quantum investor backing Pasqal and Quobly, co-organiser of French-Singaporean Quantum Symposium (FSQS) to connect world-class research with emerging quantum industry.
• QuantinuumflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 November 2025Strategic partnership to accelerate quantum computing in Singapore. Quantinuum to bring Helios quantum computer to Singapore in 2026 and establish R&D and Operations Centre. Partnership advances quantum hardware, software and talent development through NQCH, targeting pharmaceuticals, materials science and finance sectors.
• Sweden - Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2025MOU signing with QSIP and ten leading Swedish research institutions (Chalmers, Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Linköping University, etc.) to advance international collaborations in quantum technologies. Includes joint research grant calls, researcher exchanges, and collaborative projects.
• VinnovacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2025Sweden's innovation agency jointly leading MOU framework with NQO to strengthen industry linkages and research collaborations between Swedish and Singaporean quantum ecosystems.
• Finland - VTT Technical Research Centre of FinlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2023MoU to accelerate quantum technology hardware components, algorithms, applications, and collaborate on quantum-accelerated high-performance computing and quantum communications. Partners include VTT, CSC, and IQM Quantum Computers.
• CSC - IT Center for Science (Finland)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2023Finnish centre of expertise in ICT supporting quantum research through scientific computing solutions based on state-of-the-art research ICT infrastructures.
• QolabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between NQFF and Qolab (co-founded by 2025 Physics Nobel Laureate Prof John Martinis) to develop cryogenic low-pass filters for quantum processor chips, addressing bottlenecks in scaling quantum computers.
• SGInnovatecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment-backed Deep Tech ecosystem builder providing talent programmes and industry attachments for quantum professionals. Collaboration with NQO on talent development and quantum career pathways.
• DSO National LaboratoriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative with MINDEF and NQO for Quantum Sensing Centre (QSC) serving as hub for global experts to advance quantum sensing technologies across five key focus areas.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Quobly: French silicon spin-qubit quantum computing start-up that signed a Research Collaboration Agreement with NQO's National Quantum Federated Foundry in November 2025. Operates in the same quantum processor development domain that NQPI is building, with mutual interests in fabrication scalability and qubit characterization.
• SpeQtral: Singapore-headquartered quantum communications start-up contributing to the commercialisation of quantum-secure networks via NQSN and NQSN+. Operates in NQO's quantum-safe communications domain and is one of the leading commercialization vehicles emerging from NQO's translational programmes.
• CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique): France's largest public research organization and NQO's expanded MOU partner across quantum computing, photonics, and energetics. Comparable to NQO's coordination role as a multi-disciplinary national research coordinator that channels public funding into quantum translational research.
• IQM Quantum Computers: Finland-headquartered European quantum computer builder and NQO partner under the Singapore-Finland quantum MOU. Comparable as a translational quantum hardware provider with a public-sector-leaning customer base and an explicit Asia market-entry strategy via Singapore.
• Quantinuum: US/UK-based leading trapped-ion quantum computing company and NQO's flagship strategic partner. Set to deploy the Helios quantum computer to Singapore in 2026, the first deployment outside the US. Quantinuum is also a partner in the National Quantum Computing Hub, making it deeply comparable as a translational quantum platform operator.
• SGInnovate: Singapore government-backed Deep Tech ecosystem builder and NQO partner on talent development and industry attachments. Comparable as a public-sector deep-tech intermediary with overlapping quantum talent, investment, and ecosystem-building mandates.
• Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP): Sweden's national quantum coordination platform that signed an MOU with NQO in October 2025 alongside ten leading Swedish research institutions. Near-perfect functional parallel as a national coordination body for quantum R&D ecosystem development.
• Pasqal: French neutral-atom quantum computing company that signed a Master Research Collaboration Agreement with NQO-led national programmes in November 2025. Operates in overlapping quantum processor development (trapped ions, neutral atoms) and shares NQO's translational research mission across pharmaceutical, materials and finance applications.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finnish government research and technology organization that co-leads Finland's national quantum programme and is a strategic partner of NQO under the 2023 Singapore-Finland quantum MOU. Plays a near-identical role as a public-sector coordinator of quantum technology translation, with deep industry partnerships comparable to A*STAR's role in Singapore.

Others

• Keysight Technologies: Test and measurement equipment vendor whose Quantum Joint Innovation Accelerator provides QEP researchers with software design tools and lab equipment access. Comparable as an enabling technology infrastructure provider serving NQO's quantum research programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• Facebookfacebook.com/NQSSsg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about National Quantum Office