During a press briefing in Brussels today, EU Tech Chief Henna Virkkunen announced plans to attract private investment into Europe’s quantum sector, complementing over €11 billion in recent public spending.

Virkkunen emphasized that only 5% of global private quantum funding currently lands in Europe, and this imbalance must be addressed to prevent talent/emerging startups from relocating. The incoming “Quantum Act” legislation—due next year—aims to unify EU-wide quantum research, infrastructure, startups, and security applications.

This public–private initiative aligns with the growing global recognition of quantum tech’s transformative potential—from accelerating drug discovery to optimizing logistics and creating unbreakable encryption systems. The EU seeks to position itself as a top-tier hub by cultivating cross-border collaboration and investment.

Key Highlights

• €11B+ already invested publicly; now targeting significant private capital

• Only 5% of global quantum VC funding is going to Europe

• “Quantum Act” legislation on the way to unify strategy and governance

• Emphasis on dual-use quantum technologies—commercial and defense

Why This Matters

1. Global Quantum Race: Europe must act fast to compete with the U.S. and China in cutting-edge tech.

2. Balanced Funding Ecosystem: Private capital complements public funds—critical for scaling startups.

3. Strategic Opportunity: Quantum could reshape industries like pharma, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense.

4. Policy Leadership: The proposed Quantum Act demonstrates proactive AI-savvy regulation.

Source:
Reuters– Full Article