Among others, quantum technology challenges traditional computers with its speed and efficiency. That is why the world is now competing to see which continent will gain a competitive edge in quantum technology.
The EU's goal is to make Europe the “quantum valley” of the world by investing in research and innovation. The aim is to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and technological self-sufficiency.
This goal is also promoted by the EQUIP-G project, which began in June 2025 and in which Finland and 10 other EU countries jointly procure quantum gravimeters and collaborate scientifically on the new technology.
“In the project, quantum gravimeters are tested in various gravity-related applications. At the same time, the aim is to establish a European equipment base from which equipment could be granted for research use based on applications and thus promote cutting-edge research in the field in Europe,” says Research Group Manager Mirjam Bilker-Koivula from the NLS’ Finnish Geospatial Research Institute FGI.
A new quantum device can also end up being tested on a volcano and a glacier
The possibilities of quantum gravimeters are of interest to the National Land Survey for gravity measurements that fall within its basic duties. Gravity must be measured regularly in Finland, as its magnitude varies, due to land uplift, for example. Gravity information is needed in the determination of altitude systems and in the exploration of gold, ores and other natural resources.
Gravity information is also needed for monitoring natural phenomena, and in this task quantum gravimeters will be tested across Europe during the project. Among others, the device in Finland will be tested in geothermal field monitoring measurements in Iceland. As the project progresses, the device may also be used in hydrological monitoring at the O-ZNS Observatory in France and the Mont Terrin spent nuclear waste repository in Switzerland, as well as mapping the gravitational field of the Campi Flegrei volcano in Italy and in glacier follow-up monitoring in Greenland.
The project’s quantum gravimeters were compared in France
As the standards laboratory for measuring gravitational acceleration, the National Land Survey of Finland is responsible for ensuring the traceability of the quantum gravimeters used in the project with respect to SI units. As part of this work, a comparison of quantum gravimeters was carried out in April in cooperation with the project’s French partner. The comparison was carried out on the premises of the French National Metrology Institute and involved several quantum and traditional absolute gravimeters. The next comparison will take place in 2028.
Further information
Mirjam Bilker-Koivula, D.Sc. (Tech.), Research Group Manager, +029 531 4696
firstname.lastname@nls.fi
The EQUIP-G project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions presented only belong to the authors of the text, and may not match those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the financier take responsibility for them. 