Philippines Quantum Technology

Quantum technology in the Philippines is in its nascent stages, but both government and academia are actively laying the foundation for future development, creating early-mover opportunities for U.S. firms. The Quantum and Intelligent Systems Laboratory for Power Engineering (QISLaP), the Philippines’ first quantum computing lab focused on energy applications, was recently launched at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), QISLaP will pilot hybrid quantum models to enhance forecasting in the national power grid. In parallel, DOST also initiated the Quantum Computing Simulation (QCS) Project, aimed at optimizing quantum circuit simulators using the COARE high-performance computing facility. The project includes training, hackathons, and public lectures to grow local expertise.

Philippine academic institutions are also making meaningful progress. The University of the Philippines Diliman’s National Institute of Physics (NIP) maintains an active collaboration with Japan’s RIKEN Institute, particularly in quantum optics and terahertz photonics – partnerships that began with a joint workshop in 2017. At Ateneo de Manila University, the faculty are conducting experimental research in quantum algorithms.

These initiatives align with the Philippine government’s national roadmap to establish a “quantum-enabled economy” by 2030. Key objectives include developing indigenous quantum computing capabilities, building national infrastructure for quantum networks and metrology, and establishing a dedicated Quantum Technology R&D Center. The roadmap emphasizes high-performance simulation, education and training, and international collaboration to accelerate capability development.

For U.S. firms, the current landscape presents strong early-stage opportunities. Companies can offer cloud-based quantum computing access to universities, reducing infrastructure costs and enabling hands-on learning. U.S.-based educational programs such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s xPRO’s quantum courses or the University of Chicago’s EPiQC curriculum can help address the domestic talent gap. At the policy level, U.S. firms can support the Philippine government’s efforts to develop standards and regulatory frameworks particularly in areas like export controls, cybersecurity, and dual-use technology governance.

There is also potential to align with the Philippines’ defense modernization agenda. Pilot projects using quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure coastal surveillance communications or deploying quantum magnetometers on unmanned systems could attract co-funding and advance shared strategic goals.

Although R&D funding in the Philippines is more modest compared to regional leaders like Singapore, early movers have a chance to build long-term relationships and shape the market. As institutions like Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) expand ASEAN-wide collaborations, U.S. firms have a timely opportunity to engage Philippine stakeholders in joint initiatives across research, education, and policy.

For more information on quantum technology developments in the Philippines, contact Easter Villanueva, Commercial Specialist, at Easter.Villanueva@trade.gov.