On June 7th, 2024, the United Nations (UN) officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science & Technology (IYQ2025), marking the centennial of quantum mechanics. This year-long initiative aims to elevate public understanding and recognition of quantum science and its wide-ranging applications, with the ultimate goal of enhancing national capabilities in quantum technologies.

Over a century has elapsed since the foundational discoveries of quantum mechanics, yet humanity is just embarking on what’s known as the second quantum revolution. Today's advancements in quantum technology promise to revolutionize our societies far more profoundly than ever before. The scientific community has consistently highlighted the importance of these advancements, urging organizations, governments, and the public to maximize the benefits of new technologies while mitigating associated risks.

In 2021, the American Physical Society (APS) put forth a proposal to the United Nations advocating for the recognition of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum, a motion supported by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the German Physical Society (GPS), and numerous other institutions. This follows the successful establishment of previous International Years focused on the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (2019), Light and Light-based Technologies (2015), and Crystallography (2014).

Endorsements:

The campaign gained significant momentum in May 2023, led by Mexico. The Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorsed the proposal, followed by the full UNESCO General Conference in November 2023, co-sponsored by nearly 60 countries. In November 2023, key players from the quantum sector—including industry representatives like LuxQuanta and academic experts—convened in Barcelona. Their discussions culminated in an open letter endorsing the initiative and a resolution to mark 2025 as the Year of Quantum.

In May 2024, Ghana formally submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly. With endorsement from sixty co-sponsoring countries, the resolution was swiftly approved, officially designating 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

The Importance of Quantum Physics in Modern Society

Despite its frequent misrepresentation in popular culture, quantum mechanics is central to our understanding of the universe—from the behavior of subatomic particles to the distribution of galaxies. Far from being an esoteric or mystical concept, quantum mechanics is the backbone of many modern technologies such as lasers and transistors, which are indispensable in countless applications today. Its principles have influenced advancements in chemistry, life sciences, and beyond, with tangible impacts on society and the global economy.

We now stand at the brink of the Second Quantum Revolution. Emerging technologies like quantum computing, sensing, and cryptography hold the potential to transform every sector. Joe Niemela, Chair-Elect of the APS Forum on International Physics (2021), succinctly put it:

"This is an opportunity to work together with partners worldwide to raise global awareness of the enormous current impact and future promise of quantum science and technology in addressing critical challenges, including energy, communications, pharmacology, and climate change. Promoting science education, outreach, and relevant technologies that can improve the quality of life of citizens everywhere, including remote regions off the grid, is also a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the role of science as a common good for all humanity."

2025: The Quantum Year

IYQ2025 is an invitation to all—from individuals and schools to institutions and governments—to elevate awareness of quantum science and technology. This initiative particularly aims to reach audiences who may be unaware of quantum's significance. The emphasis will be on inspiring the next generation of quantum scientists and pioneers—young minds from all corners of the globe who have the potential to make transformative contributions using quantum science.

Zeroproof, a front-runner in quantum-safe key distribution, is dedicated to promoting the initiative. The company will actively participate in key events to disseminate knowledge about the importance of quantum technologies to diverse audiences. Our innovative approach to key distribution (eQKD) bridges the gap between current internet infrastructure and the advanced security needs of tomorrow, ensuring the secure distribution of symmetric encryption keys without the high costs and physical limitations of traditional QKD systems.

With the eQKD toolkit, Zeroproof offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that mimics the critical aspects of quantum key distribution, providing unparalleled end-to-end encryption today and safeguarding against the future threat of quantum computing. Zeroproof’s technology integrates seamlessly with existing systems, allowing for rapid deployment of secure communication channels across various applications without the need for specialized hardware.

To learn more or see a demo of the Zeroproof technology, please contact us.