ONCHIPS researchers discussed Microsoft’s quantum chip at Studium Generale, Universiy of Twente

On 2 December 2025, ONCHIPS researchers took part in a public lecture organized by Studium Generale, focusing on recent developments in quantum computing and Microsoft’s much discussed quantum chip Majorana 1.

Earlier that year, Microsoft had introduced Majorana 1 with considerable social media attention. But what exactly is a quantum computer and what are the possible building blocks to create one? These questions are central to the ONCHIPS project, coordinated by Prof. dr. ir. Floris Zwanenburg, with dr. ir. Femke Witmans as postdoctoral researcher and Esther van de Logt a PhD student working on a related project. 

During the event, the researchers discussed quantum technology, the history of quantum bits, with a particular focus on spin qubits and the research carried out within and closely connected to the ONCHIPS project. Femke Witmans and Prof. dr. ir. Alexander Brinkman addressed the implications of Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip, explaining what Majorana states are and how research at the University of Twente relates to these exotic quantum states.

Studium Generale regularly organizes public lectures on current and impactful developments in science, technology, politics, and culture, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with experts and explore cutting-edge research.