By Daniel Spingies
Four days, 400 kilometers, several quantum hubs and countless conversations along the way – the Entangled Quantum Ride was a unique opportunity to connect Switzerland’s quantum community by bike.
Starting in Basel, our route took us through Zürich, Burgdorf and Yverdon-les-Bains before reaching Geneva. Along the way, we visited research institutions and laboratories and got first-hand insights into the research and activities shaping Switzerland’s quantum ecosystem.
Our journey started in Basel, where Kaila Yallum from NCCR SPIN welcomed us. Over coffee and croissants, Kaila introduced us to the Department of Physics and its activities before we had the opportunity to visit the Nano Fabrication Laboratory of NCCR SPIN PI Ilaria Zardo, the Cryo Hall of NCCR SPIN PI Dominik Zumbühl and the lab of Philipp Treutlein. Afterward, we got on our bikes and set off towards Zürich.
After a long first day in the saddle, some of the participants headed to the Flussbad Au-Höngg in Zürich for a quick swim before going to the hotel – a very welcome way to cool down after the first 100 kilometres.
On the second morning, Anu Unnikrishnan welcomed us at ETH Zürich Hönggerberg. We had the opportunity to visit Prof. Degen’s laboratory and the quantum startup ZuriQ, gaining insights into their research and activities. By the time we got back on our bikes, the weather had taken a turn for the worse. After just ten minutes of cycling, almost everyone had completely soaked feet. Nevertheless, we kept going, and fortunately the weather improved again during the afternoon.
Day three took us from Burgdorf towards Yverdon-les-Bains. In Vully, we stopped at a bakery to pick up lunch, which we enjoyed together by Lake Murten. Of course, the famous Gâteau du Vully could not be missed. Some participants also took the opportunity for a quick swim in the lake.
In Yverdon-les-Bains, we recharged for the final day with Galettes de Sarrasin, Camembert and Crêpes sucrées. Thanks to Kaila for the great tip – the food was delicious and the atmosphere was just as good.
The final day took us from Yverdon-les-Bains to Geneva, with a visit to EPFL along the way. Philippe Caroff welcomed us with croissants and refreshments before we explored the campus and visited several laboratories, including the lab of NCCR SPIN PI Pasquale Scarlino.
After the visit, we continued towards Geneva. During our lunch break at Lake Geneva, some participants took the opportunity for another quick swim – a refreshing break before the final kilometers of the ride.
Once we arrived in Geneva, NCCR SPIN PI Geraldine Haack and Rob Thew welcomed us at the University of Geneva. They gave us an insight into their research and showed us their laboratory facilities, providing a fitting scientific conclusion to our four-day journey.
Throughout the four days, the spirit of “social riding” was at the heart of the journey. We didn't focus on speed or competition. Instead, the ride was about bringing people together, sharing experiences and strengthening connections within the quantum community – while exploring Switzerland by bike.
A special thank you goes to all the professors and scientists who welcomed us along the way and took the time to introduce us to their research, laboratories and research centers. Their openness and enthusiasm made the scientific side of the journey just as memorable as the cycling itself.
And, of course, a big thank you to the organizers, Alexandra Beckstein and Rebekka Garreis, for creating this unique initiative and bringing Switzerland’s quantum ecosystem closer together, one kilometer at a time.