Moscow is advancing a new quantum initiative that blends research, development, and production under one roof. On Telegram, the city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, outlined plans to establish a quantum laboratory and an industrial center that build upon the Skolkovo innovation complex. The project aims to create a dedicated quantum cluster that serves as a private research and development hub for the capital, drawing in laboratories, scientific teams, startups, and manufacturers of quantum products to operate in a coordinated network.
According to Sobyanin, the cluster will host a mix of activities from advanced experiments to commercial-scale production. The goal is to have the core facilities up and running within Moscow by year’s end, positioning the city as a leader in Russia’s quantum ambitions. The plan calls for a phased development that leverages existing Skolkovo infrastructure while expanding capacity for new quantum research programs and private-sector collaboration.
The investment outlook for the project is significant. Officials have indicated that the total funding earmarked for building the quantum cluster and its related activities will be about 6.5 billion rubles, allocated to facilities, equipment, and early-stage operations. This financial commitment is part of a broader push to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and translate them into market-ready quantum technologies.
Earlier in the year, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, signaled confidence that Russian researchers could complete the creation of a 20-qubit quantum computer within the same calendar period. A qubit, the fundamental unit of information in a quantum computer, represents a shift from traditional computing bits and enables new computational possibilities in areas such as optimization, simulation, and cryptography. The public dialogue around this milestone reflects a broader national effort to advance quantum capabilities and position Russia within the evolving landscape of quantum technology.
In related developments, Russian leadership has underscored the strategic importance of deploying the most powerful quantum computing resources available in the country. Projects of this scale are designed to cultivate domestic expertise, attract investment, and encourage private sector participation in a field that many observers expect to redefine computation across science, industry, and governance. The overall agenda emphasizes building a robust ecosystem where research, pilot projects, and industrial applications can progress in tandem, supported by a clear pathway from discovery to deployment, and a steady flow of resources to sustain momentum. [Citation: government releases and official statements]