QuIC’s Recommendations for Europe’s Quantum Strategy: What It Means for Business (And Why You Should Care)

The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) has just published its recommendations for the EU’s Quantum Strategy, a document packed with insights, warnings, and, most importantly, opportunities. Carlos Kuchkovsky, CEO of QCentroid, has been one of the key contributors to this work, leveraging his experience as the former Head of Innovation at BBVA, as well as leading the work of the European Quantum Flagship on benchmarking and standardization. As he puts it in the recommendations, addressing organizations across Europe:

The challenge isn’t whether Quantum Computing will be relevant, but how fast companies can adapt.

But before you assume this is just another policy paper, slow down and take a look at our breakdown because details matter at this time. If you’re leading a company in finance, healthcare, logistics, or any data-heavy industry, what happens in quantum doesn’t stay in quantum. It’s about to change the way you do business.

Key Takeaways from the QuIC Report: What Matters for Business?

1. QuIC Recommends Europe Build Its Own Full-Stack Quantum Computer (Because Who Likes Dependencies?)

QuIC advises Europe to push for a “Made in Europe” quantum stack—hardware, software, and everything in between. The goal? Less reliance on non-European tech, more strategic independence.

Why you should care: Right now, quantum computing breakthroughs often come from the US, China, or Australia, for example. A strong European ecosystem means local businesses get better access, potentially with government-backed incentives. If you’re in an industry that needs high-powered computation (finance, logistics, pharmaceuticals), this is good news.

2. A Stronger Quantum Supply Chain (So We Don’t Have Another Chip Crisis, But With Qubits)

QuIC stresses the need for Europe to strengthen its quantum supply chain—funding research, securing raw materials, and creating a resilient network.

Why you should care: A stable supply chain means fewer bottlenecks when your business is ready to experiment with quantum solutions. It also means better pricing and competitive access to quantum hardware, reducing reliance on non-EU providers.

3. Making Europe a Quantum Investment Hotspot (Translation: Money Talks, Let’s Keep It Here)

QuIC’s recommendation? More incentives, better funding models, and smoother regulations to make Europe a more attractive place for quantum startups and investors.

Why you should care: If you’re considering dipping your toes into quantum, either through partnerships or direct investment, Europe is working on making it easier and more lucrative. Expect more accelerators, funding pools, and potential tax benefits.

4. Quantum Standards & Benchmarks (Because Right Now, It’s a Bit of a Wild West)

Quantum computing today is like the early days of AI—everyone’s hyped, but there’s little standardization. Europe wants to lead the way in setting benchmarks for performance, security, and interoperability.

Why you should care: If your company is considering quantum tech, clear standards will help you compare solutions apples-to-apples rather than trying to decode marketing jargon from different vendors. It also makes integration with existing IT infrastructure smoother. An insider tip: you can already compare many of the quantum solutions from various providers head-to-head with the QCentroid platform. 

5. Turning Intellectual Property into Revenue (Instead of Just Cool Science)

Europe has world-class quantum research but has historically lagged in commercialization. The strategy aims to change that by improving how quantum intellectual property (IP) is protected and monetized. QuIC recommends that Europe focus on better protecting and commercializing quantum intellectual property.

Why you should care: More structured IP policies mean that investing in quantum won’t just be for big tech players. Mid-sized enterprises and even non-tech companies can find commercial angles, whether through licensing, collaborations, or applied research projects.

6. Building a Quantum Workforce (Because Someone Has to Understand This Stuff)

QuIC calls for major investment in education, training, and reskilling initiatives to ensure Europe has enough quantum-literate professionals—not just scientists, but also business leaders who know how to implement the tech.

Why you should care: Finding skilled quantum professionals today is like trying to hire blockchain developers in 2015—difficult and expensive. A structured workforce plan means better talent pipelines for businesses wanting to explore quantum applications.

7. Keeping European Quantum Independent (So We Don’t Have to Beg for Access Later)

Security is a major concern. QuIC emphasizes the need for European control over critical quantum technologies, especially cloud-based quantum services, whether in banking, defense, or healthcare.

Why you should care: If your business handles sensitive data, future EU regulations might favor quantum solutions developed and hosted within Europe. Getting ahead of compliance now could save you a lot of headaches later.

8. Quantum for Sustainability & Social Good (Not Just for Science Fiction Plots)

QuIC recommends that quantum support broader sustainability goals—both environmental and social. This includes promoting responsible innovation, supporting green quantum tech, and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Why you should care:  As ESG reporting gets more serious, quantum applications in climate modeling, sustainable supply chains, and green energy could unlock real efficiencies and regulatory advantages. Plus, inclusive frameworks mean a more diverse future talent pool—and better optics for your brand.


Final Thoughts: What Should Businesses Do Now?

  1. Start preparing for quantum computing. You don’t need a quantum team yet, but understanding potential applications in your industry will prepare you for the next step.
  2. Keep an eye on EU funding and incentives. There is money available to support early adoption.
  3. Consider partnerships. Why take all the risks and a budget hit going it alone? Join forces with one or more quantum teams at startups and vendors and share the burden. You help them advance, they help you get answers you need. 

If you’re curious about how quantum computing could impact your business, now is the time to start paying attention.

Want to dive deeper? Read the full QuIC recommendations here and book a demo with our team.

QCentroid Contributes to Industry Priorities at Q-Expo 2024

  • Gregory Shutko, QCentroid’s Chief Business Officer, participated in Q-Expo 2024, a premier European event for the quantum industry.
  • Gregory took part in the closed-door industry deliberations, contributing to defining the priorities for the industry for the coming year.
  • QCentroid, as a full member of the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC), is a leading EU platform focused on quantum applications and ecosystem building to accelerate quantum adoption.
Gregory Shutko

What is Q-Expo and Why It Matters

Organized by QuIC and Quantum Delta NL, Q-Expo is a leading European event for the quantum technology industry. This year’s edition brought together key players from the quantum ecosystem, including researchers, startups, established companies, investors, and policymakers. Q-Expo provided a platform for showcasing the latest advancements, fostering collaborations, and discussing the future of quantum technologies. The event featured a mix of plenary sessions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, creating a vibrant atmosphere for knowledge sharing and partnership building.

QCentroid at Q-Expo 2024

Gregory Shutko joined the discussions on the second day, including sessions with Olivier Ezratty, Roger McKinlay, Olivier Tonneau, and Anca Albu. And on the third day, Gregory helped to shape the future of the European quantum landscape by participating in closed-door industry discussions that defined QuIC’s priorities for the upcoming year. 

As a leader in QuIC’s working groups on quantum applications and ecosystem development, QCentroid, through Gregory’s contributions, shared valuable experience in identifying promising use cases, understanding customer needs, and fostering the growth of a strong quantum ecosystem.

Key Insights from the Event

  • Early Quantum Engagement: “Management by fear” remains a prevalent strategy for engaging customers in early-stage quantum adoption, often coupled with a focus on the “indirect” value of quantum technologies.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency emerged as one of the six key industry challenges, highlighting the potential of quantum computing to optimize energy consumption.
  • Consolidation in the Industry: Experts predict an upcoming consolidation in both quantum software and hardware, potentially leading to a more streamlined and mature market.
  • Building Quantum Awareness: International organizations like the OECD are contributing to raising awareness of quantum technologies among policymakers.
  • Customer Focus: The industry needs customers, not just end users, emphasizing the need for feedback and co-development partnerships.
  • Funding Priorities: In the quantum sector, keeping costs under control and leveraging public funding are more critical than traditional metrics like IRR or user base.
  • Bridging the Language Gap: A gap exists between the technical language of the quantum industry and the business language of potential customers, requiring a translation to “what’s in it for me.”
  • Global Collaboration: Quantum industry associations like QED-C, Q-STAR, QIC, and QuIC are collaborating, signaling a need for a unified approach that transcends national boundaries and export controls.
  • Australia’s Bet: Informal discussions at the event centered around Australia’s (a G20 country) focused investment in a specific quantum technology, potentially leaving other parts of its domestic industry behind.
  • Merit-Based Cases: The second day of the event featured merit-based case studies from companies like Telefónica, Equinix, Port of Rotterdam, Deutsche Bahn, E.ON, Airbus, and ParTec AG.
  • Welcoming Event: Q-Expo provided a welcoming and warm environment, with ample opportunities for meetings, deep discussions, and building partnerships.

Looking Ahead

QCentroid remains committed to advancing the quantum ecosystem and driving the adoption of quantum technologies. We are dedicated to working with partners and customers to identify high-impact use cases and build a thriving quantum community. The QuIC is the main European quantum industry association, and for a pan-European quantum platform like QCentroid it is the right place to be to bridge the gap between the industry advances and the end users.

Are you interested in exploring how quantum technologies can benefit your organization? Contact us today to learn how QCentroid can help you navigate the quantum revolution and unlock the potential of next-generation computing.

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