How to close the funding gap to scale quantum computing in Europe

How to close the funding gap to scale quantum computing in Europe

The EU needs to urgently deploy additional funding to avoid falling behind in the global race on quantum computing. Without further public support, promising European quantum companies will be forced to slow down or scale outside of Europe.

Quantum computing is a strategic technology for Europe with potential applications across security, manufacturing, health, mobility and artificial intelligence. Quantum computing could create up to $2.7 trillion of economic value worldwide by 2035 and offer more energy efficient compute for certain applications.[1]

The main challenge for the EU is funding the rapid scaling of its quantum companies. These firms need to invest billions over the next years to develop today’s experimental quantum computers into systems that are reliable and powerful enough for industrial use. They also need to build manufacturing capacity to make these computers in the numbers and at the cost required to be globally competitive – all before investments generate significant returns.

This creates a funding burden that is too large for European quantum scaleups to carry alone. Further public investment is required to stimulate demand, provide growth capital and mobilise private investments.

 “Europe attracts only 5% of the global private quantum funding, compared to over 50% captured by the USA. This funding gap is particularly pronounced at later stages of development, presenting the risk that EU startups could be acquired by non-European investors, with potential losses in IP, critical technologies, technological sovereignty and talent.”[2]

[1] McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2026: A commercial tipping point; available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-technology/our-insights/mckinsey-quantum-technology-monitor-2026-a-commercial-tipping-point

[2] 2025 Quantum Europe Strategy: Quantum Europe in a Changing World, p. 13; available at: eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0363