On May 22, the CEA’s Very Large Computing Center (TGCC) in Bruyères-le-Châtel hosted the European Forum on Computing, Quantum, and Semiconductor Technologies. This strategic event was opened by the CEA’s Chairman and featured a visit and announcements by the President of the Republic, in the presence of the Prime Minister and several members of the Government.
This major event brought together researchers, industry leaders, startups, and European policy makers around a common goal: to accelerate the development of technological sovereignty in advanced computing, quantum technology, and semiconductors.
The day began with roundtable discussions on the framework for developing the computing, quantum, and semiconductor sectors—from research to industrial applications— and on funding mechanisms and industrial policy at the European level. The President of the Republic then took the floor to reaffirm the strategic importance of quantum and semiconductor technologies in a highly competitive global environment..
“It is a source of great pride for France […] to be here today discussing computing technologies, quantum technology, and semiconductors. Here, decades of research, engineering, industrial innovation, and strategic vision converge—at the heart, moreover, of a dual French vision—and this CEA site […] also demonstrates the ability to bridge fundamental research, applied research, and the industrial sector, as well as the civilian and military spheres.” Emmanuel Macron emphasized in the opening remarks of his speech from the CEA site in Bruyères-Le-Châtel.
He emphasized that quantum technologies, semiconductors, and more broadly, critical technologies are part of a drive toward technological sovereignty that Europe must strengthen.
In light of the accelerating progress made by the United States and China in these critical technologies, he called for “scaling up” efforts at the European level, investing more heavily, and strengthening the preference for European technologies in strategic sectors.
A long-standing commitment to quantum and semiconductor technologies
In 2021, France launched a national strategy for quantum technologies, with a budget of 1.8 billion euros over five years, in close collaboration with research and innovation stakeholders, including the CEA.
This momentum has helped build a rapidly growing ecosystem, with a significant increase in training programs, doctoral degrees, and research activities, as well as rapid growth among companies in the sector.
A confirmed acceleration in investments
The President of the Republic announced an additional reinvestment of 1 billion euros through the France 2030 program to strengthen this strategy and support the global acceleration of quantum technologies and semiconductors.
This momentum is also part of the PIIEC Advanced Semiconductor Technologies initiative, led in collaboration with several member states and backed by 550 million euros from the French side.
The TGCC at the heart of a shared European ambition
By hosting this forum, the CEA reaffirms the TGCC’s role as a leading high-performance computing infrastructure in Europe and demonstrates the CEA’s ability to bring together all stakeholders in the ecosystem to address the challenges of technological sovereignty and innovation in breakthrough technologies.