Quantum technologies: European companies with the highest funding

Quantum technologies: European companies with the highest funding

Europe is experiencing a defining moment in the development of quantum technologies. Investment is growing, projects are multiplying, and research centres are consolidating their global leadership. From computing to quantum cybersecurity, the data reveals a thriving ecosystem that combines science, innovation and technology transfer.

A quantum ecosystem in full expansion

In 2025, European programmes encompass over 8,100 projects and total funding exceeding €4.13 billion in the quantum field. More than 3,400 organisations are taking part in initiatives that range from infrastructure and algorithms to industrial and healthcare applications.

This momentum strengthens Europe’s position in a strategic technology that will transform computing, communications and digital security.

Based on the data collected from Kaila, which include organizations participating in publicly funded European projects in quantum technologies, the ten countries with the highest number of projects are:

Quamtum tecnhologies: countries
Top 10 countries participating in quantum technologies projects

These figures represent the number of projects involving entities from each country, across all areas of quantum technologies — including quantum computing, communications, cybersecurity, sensing, physics, photonics, optics, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The results indicate that Germany, France, and Italy lead in participation within European public funding frameworks, followed by Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, which also show significant involvement in quantum-related innovation initiatives.

Areas of quantum technologies

The analysis covers the following areas:

  • Quantum Computing – 907 organisations have carried out 2,025 projects, receiving €965 million in total funding.
  • Quantum Communications – 611 organisations with 1,374 projects and €556 million in funding.
  • Quantum Cybersecurity – 26 organisations involved in 26 projects, with €10 million in total funding.
  • Quantum Sensing – 316 organisations developed 548 projects, totalling €294 million in funding.
  • Quantum Physics, Photonics and Optics – 872 organisations participated in 3,064 projects, securing €1.59 billion in funding.
  • Mathematics, AI and Machine Learning applied to Quantum Technologies – 680 organisations ran 1,132 projects, with €716 million in total funding.
Quamtum tecnhologies: funding by area
Quamtum tecnhologies: projects by area

Quantum computing: the core of investment

Top funded organisations:

Quantum computing attracts the largest share of investment. Major research institutions in France and the Netherlands dominate the field, while Austria and Finland are reinforcing their position through advanced simulation and hardware infrastructure.

Quantum communications: building the secure networks of the future

Top funded organisations:

  • CNRS (France) – €20.78M
  • ICFO-CERCA (Spain) – €14.28M
  • TU Delft (Netherlands) – €13.88M
  • AIT (Austria) – €11.95M
  • IAC (Spain) – €10.92M

Quantum communication is consolidating as a strategic pillar for Europe’s digital sovereignty. France and Spain lead research in quantum key distribution (QKD) and photonics, with projects paving the way for the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).

Quantum cybersecurity: applying innovation to data protection

Top funded organisations:

Although still emerging, the quantum cybersecurity sector is already showing tangible results. Several European companies are developing encryption technologies and secure network services based on quantum principles. Italy is currently one of the most active countries in this field.

Quantum sensing: precision for industry and health

Quantum sensing stands out for its direct industrial applicability. From metrology to biomedical imaging, projects focus on enhancing measurement accuracy and exploring opportunities in health, aerospace and energy.
Leading players include CNRS (France), Arquimea Research Center (Spain) and Fraunhofer (Germany).

Quantum physics, photonics and optics: the scientific foundation

Top funded organisations:

This area forms the scientific foundation of Europe’s quantum ecosystem. Universities and research institutes are developing the physical and photonic principles underpinning advances in quantum computing and communication.

AI and mathematics applied to quantum technologies

Top funded organisations:

Mathematics and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in algorithm optimisation, error correction and quantum software development. European projects are advancing the use of machine learning to boost the performance and scalability of quantum systems.

Europe, a global leader in quantum technologies

Europe’s investment in quantum technologies reveals a strong concentration around leading institutions — CNRS, CEA, TU Delft, Fraunhofer, and ETH Zürich — while also welcoming new industrial players.

France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Spain attract the highest levels of funding, with Finland emerging as a hub for quantum supercomputing. This combination strengthens Europe’s technological autonomy and lays the groundwork for a new generation of quantum applications.

Conclusion

Europe’s quantum ecosystem is diverse, dynamic and strategic. The combination of world-class research centres, technology start-ups and public-private partnerships is accelerating the journey from lab to market.
The coming decade will be decisive in consolidating European quantum sovereignty, boosting security, competitiveness and industrial innovation across the continent.

Tags: Innovation trends