The Signal
U.S. and Finland Sign Quantum Cooperation Deal
The United States and Finland signed a Technology Prosperity Deal memorandum on October 29, 2026, outlining cooperation on quantum computing, supply chains and post-quantum cryptography. The nonbinding agreement commits neither government t
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“The Participants intend to deepen cooperation to accelerate the development, commercialization, and responsible deployment of quantum technologies in ways that enhance prosperity and security.”
U.S.-Finland Memorandum of Understanding
A broad deal with a quantum workstream
The United States and Finland signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington on October 29, setting out plans for cooperation on quantum technology alongside semiconductors, communications, energy, space, biotechnology and Arctic technology. The document, titled the Technology Prosperity Deal, frames quantum as one part of a wider effort to strengthen industrial ties and coordinate work on strategic technologies. It builds on the countries’ 1995 Agreement Relating to Scientific and Technological Cooperation and refers to earlier joint statements on quantum information science and advanced wireless communications.
The quantum section lays out areas for collaboration rather than a funded project list. The governments intend to work through leading quantum institutions and national laboratories on performance assessment, algorithms, scientific discovery and hybrid quantum-classical computing. The text does not identify participating laboratories, name projects or set dates for delivery.
Supply chains, skills and commercial links
The memorandum connects research cooperation to manufacturing and commercial deployment. It calls for accelerating the deployment of cryogenics, precision instrumentation and semiconductor process engineering through regulatory harmonization and targeted investments in both countries. It also describes joint research and investment in quantum manufacturing, as well as support for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
For companies, the document points to closer information-sharing and commercial pipelines between U.S. and Finnish stakeholders. The governments say they want to align the two countries’ quantum ecosystems and support commercialization, but the memorandum names no companies, investment amounts or procurement commitments. Its focus is on creating routes for cooperation, not announcing specific awards or contracts.
Standards and post-quantum cryptography
The agreement also links quantum development to security. The countries intend to coordinate on securing technology and supply chains and to engage in existing forums, including the Quantum Development Group, the Multilateral Dialogue on Quantum and NATO’s Transatlantic Quantum Community. They also call for trusted, interoperable standards across quantum computing, sensing and networking.
On cybersecurity, the memorandum endorses adoption of post-quantum cryptographic standards and support for migrating systems to them. It also calls for research and commercial cooperation in encryption technology and stronger trade and exports by cybersecurity companies. The document does not specify which systems will be migrated, establish a schedule or set out a joint implementation plan.
The memorandum creates no funding obligation
The agreement is explicit about its limits: it is not intended to create legally binding obligations, and it commits neither country to spend funds. It says the memorandum becomes operative on the date of the last signature and that either participant may discontinue it by written notice; discontinuation is expected to begin 180 days after notice is delivered.
That leaves the next steps to implementation through the countries’ Joint Committee Meeting mechanism and, where appropriate, their existing science and technology agreement. The document establishes areas of shared intent, but turns any research program, investment or commercial arrangement into a matter for separate follow-on action.