The Dutch government, research institute TNO and other organisations have agreed to invest €135m in the development of a super fast quantum computer.

The money will be spent on the Delft-based quantum technology institute QuTech and will be spread over a 10-year period. Microsoft has been investing in the company since 2010.

The new investment will allow QuTech to double its research team to 200 during the duration of the investment, the government says.

Education minister Jet Bussemaker said the investment is important for Dutch science. ‘This means important scientists will stay in the Netherlands and talents will be attracted to come here,’ she said.

The development of actual quantum computers is still in its infancy, but practical and theoretical research is taking place around the globe.

Last year the government declared QuTech to be one of four ‘national icons’ or innovations which will contribute to future prosperity and help solve global problems.