Chaired by South Korea, the committee aims to collaborate and establish standards for quantum technology.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have jointly established a new technical committee dedicated to quantum technologies, named IEC/ISO JTC 3: Quantum technologies. Quantum technology has an expected potential to address various global challenges in diverse industrial segments.
The joint technical committee will focus on developing standards in the field of quantum technologies, specifically in areas such as quantum computing, quantum simulation, quantum sources, quantum metrology, quantum detectors, and quantum communications.
South Korea will chair the committee, while the British Standards Institution (BSI) will hold the secretariat. BSI, which hosts the IEC National Committee for the UK and is also an ISO member, brings substantial experience in committee management to this role.
Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General and CEO, emphasised the need for a coordinated international approach to streamline technical contributions, maximise impact, and ensure coherence in the market.
Sergio Mujica, ISO Secretary-General, highlighted the role of standards and said, “Catalysing the quantum revolution requires a shared language. Standards provide the framework to turn diverse quantum efforts into a unified force, driving progress, ensuring reliability, and paving the way for a quantum future that is secure, interoperable and globally accessible,”
Quantum technology represents a leap forward in harnessing quantum mechanics to create advanced tools and devices. It promises revolutionary changes in fields like IT, communications, healthcare, energy, trade, sustainability, education, and research.
The formation of IEC/ISO JTC 3: Quantum technologies represents a strategic and forward-thinking initiative to standardise and promote the development and application of quantum technologies globally. By laying down a foundation of international standards, this committee aims to streamline technological advancements, ensuring their secure, interoperable, and widespread adoption in various critical sectors.