The European Union wants to pool additional resources and expertise for quantum computers with a new plan. This should make Europe more competitive in a technology that is crucial for economic and technological autonomy.
The European Commission is working on a strategy to close the funding gap for quantum computers. According to Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the European Commission for technology policy, Europe risks losing companies to the United States due to a lack of venture capital. Many European quantum startups are relocating to the US to scale up faster.
The new plans are part of the multi-annual budget that the European Commission will propose in mid-July. Horizon Europe, the EU’s research program, will continue to support quantum research. Additionally, the Commission is working on a Scale-Up Europe Fund together with private investors. This should help tech companies grow faster without leaving Europe.
Quantum Strategy within Broader Digital Agenda
Quantum computers work with quantum bits and can process information much faster than classical computers. Applications include cybersecurity and defense. Virkkunen emphasizes that the rising defense budgets in EU countries are also positive for technologies such as quantum computers, AI, and semiconductors.
The quantum strategy fits within the broader ambition to become less dependent on large American technology companies. The EU wants to invest more in critical technologies to reduce the productivity gap with the US. Currently, only four European companies are in the top 50 largest technology companies in the world.
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With the quantum plans, the EU aims to strengthen its position as a scientific center and accelerate the transition to commercial applications.
European AI Gigafactories
Besides quantum computers, the EU is also focusing on AI. A recent call to build five AI gigafactories attracted 76 interested parties who together want to invest up to 230 billion euros. However, tensions remain over AI legislation, which some companies believe could hinder innovation. Belgium and the Netherlands are not welcoming AI factories.
Five of the selected countries – Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and Sweden – will deploy new AI-optimized supercomputers. Spain chooses to upgrade its existing EuroHPC system, MareNostrum 5. In Greece, the AI factory will emerge from the DAEDALUS supercomputer currently being deployed in that country.
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