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Quantum Computing

Quantum computers and quantum networks, and the companies, research labs, funders, and communities building them: qubit hardware across modalities, the enabling stack of cryogenics, control electronics, and photonics, software, algorithms, and error correction, and the applications and access that turn machines into useful computation.

Fig. 4 · Abacus

The field

At a glance

Definition

Quantum computing: $1.88B market in 2026, 14 specialist funders, $275K-$1.65M check range

Field at a glance

Quantum Computing organizations
212
Quantum Computing people
401
Upcoming Quantum Computing events
19
Quantum Computing programs and funding
48
Field overview

Quantum computing represents one of the most capital-intensive and geopolitically significant computing revolutions since silicon. Unlike AI, which can be deployed incrementally, quantum requires fundamental physics breakthroughs, specialized hardware, and multi-year customer integration cycles. The sector has attracted $3.77 billion in funding through Q3 2025, with clear momentum shifting from speculative research toward architectures with credible paths to quantum advantage.

For founders, this is a niche within a niche. Only 14 active funders in the Superscout database focus on quantum, concentrated in North America (5), Europe (5), and Asia (5). Check sizes cluster around $275K for pre-seed rounds and $1.65M for growth-stage, reflecting the deep technical vetting required. The market favors companies solving specific, high-value problems in finance, pharma, materials science, and national security rather than general-purpose quantum computers.

Technologies

Quantum computing leverages three primary physical implementations, each with distinct tradeoffs. Superconducting qubits, pioneered by Google and IBM, use macroscopic circuits operating at near-absolute-zero temperatures. They benefit from established semiconductor fabrication techniques for scaling and achieve nanosecond gate times, but suffer from short coherence windows (microseconds) requiring rapid error correction. Trapped-ion systems, developed by IonQ and Honeywell, confine individual ions using precise lasers. They achieve unprecedented coherence times (up to 600 seconds in hyperfine qubits) and gate fidelities exceeding 99.9%, but gate operations are slow (milliseconds) and scaling to thousands of qubits remains challenging.

Photonic quantum computers, pursued by Quandela and PsiQuantum, encode information in photons and operate at room temperature, eliminating costly cryogenic infrastructure. However, photon loss and the difficulty of reliably entangling photons create engineering obstacles. Neutral atom approaches from Pasqal and Atom Computing use optical traps to hold arrays of atoms, offering potential scaling advantages and room-temperature operation. Each architecture targets different problem classes: superconductors suit optimization on near-term hardware, trapped ions excel at chemistry simulation, photonics promise scalability without cooling, and neutral atoms offer a middle ground on coherence and speed.

Beyond hardware, the quantum stack requires specialized control systems. Companies like Quantum Machines provide the electronics and software that translate high-level quantum instructions into precise laser and microwave pulses that manipulate qubits. Classical-quantum hybrid systems, which dispatch appropriate problems to quantum processors while keeping the control loop and data processing classical, are emerging as the most pragmatic near-term architecture. Software tools for algorithm development, simulation, and optimization continue to mature through platforms from IBM, Amazon (Braket), Microsoft (Azure Quantum), and Google (Cirq).

Applications

Real-world quantum applications cluster into four high-value domains. Drug discovery and molecular simulation represent the most mature use case. Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions with fidelity impossible for classical computers, compressing drug candidate identification from 4-6 years to 18 months. Roche's 2025 achievement—identifying three Alzheimer's drug candidates using quantum simulation in 18 months—validated this narrative and catalyzed pharma sector interest. Major pharmaceutical companies including Merck, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi have announced quantum research programs.

Financial services is the second major driver. Portfolio optimization, risk modeling, option pricing, and fraud detection all benefit from quantum speedup. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have deployed quantum algorithms for portfolio optimization. These use cases are attractive because they have clear economic value (basis points of performance matter at scale) and well-defined problem structures that map cleanly to quantum algorithms.

Materials science and battery design represent the third pillar. Companies developing next-generation batteries, semiconductors, and advanced materials use quantum simulation to explore molecular configurations and predict material properties. This accelerates the innovation cycle for hardware-dependent industries where materials performance is a competitive moat.

The fourth and most urgent domain is quantum-safe cryptography and security. As quantum computers approach sufficient scale, they threaten to break RSA and elliptic curve encryption retroactively through 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks on encrypted data already captured. This creates immediate revenue opportunity for companies helping enterprises transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards ahead of regulatory deadlines (NSA's 2027 deadline for national security systems).

All of these use cases remain in pilot or research phase. Commercial quantum advantage—where a quantum solution demonstrably outperforms classical approaches on a production problem—remains rare. This explains why quantum computing revenues have grown only to $650-750 million globally despite massive funding, well below the $1+ trillion AI market.

Market and funding

Quantum computing attracts a highly specialized subset of venture capital. Across the Superscout platform, 14 funders have invested in quantum-focused startups, with clear stage distribution: 5 focus on pre-seed, 9 on seed, 7 on Series A, 6 on Series B, and 1 on growth equity. This distribution reflects the sector's early maturity—capital is beginning to consolidate behind later-stage winners, but the pipeline remains robust at early stages.

Median check sizes are $275,000 for minimum checks and $1,650,000 for maximum commitments, roughly 2-3x larger than consumer software at equivalent stages, reflecting the capital intensity of hardware and simulation infrastructure. Top funders include IQT (In-Q-Tel), which bridges US national security with venture backing across seed to Series B; Summer Capital, which specializes in quantum and data; Qubits Ventures, which focuses on quantum and AI-native platforms; and several government-aligned vehicles like MiraclePlus and Harper Court Ventures.

Geographic distribution is remarkably balanced: North America (5 funders), Europe (5), and Asia (5) all have substantial quantum ecosystems. This mirrors government support: Japan announced $7.4B in quantum investment by April 2025, Spain committed $900M, China established a 1 trillion yuan national quantum fund, and the US continues to fund quantum research through DARPA and NSF initiatives. Global funders (3) and UK/Canada/Japan-specific investors (1 each) round out the landscape.

Who is working on it, and who is paying for it

Organizations in the field

The labs, companies and funders doing the work, and the groups helping it along.

Research and public institutions 37

Research Institute

AIST center for quantum and AI technology development and testbeds in Japan.

Duke Quantum Center imageResearch Institute

Duke University center building trapped-ion quantum computers and related systems.

Show all 37 research and public institutions
Munich Quantum Valley imageResearch Institute

Bavarian initiative with the goal of developing and operating competitive quantum computers.

Q-NEXT imageResearch Institute

DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Center led by Argonne, focused on quantum interconnects, networks, and materials.

Quantum Internet Alliance imageResearch Institute

European consortium building a prototype quantum internet, coordinated from Delft.

Funders 19

2^Q VENTURES imageVenture Capital

The UK's only quantum computing-dedicated venture capital firm.

Show all 19 funders
Barclo imageVenture Studio

Transforming deep tech breakthroughs into sustainable ventures.

Companies 118

1QBit imageStartup

Builds automated design tools for utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computation.

Aegiq imageStartup

Builds photonic quantum computers combining deterministic photon sources with silicon photonics.

Algorithmiq imageStartup

Develops hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and products for healthcare and life sciences problems.

Aliro imageStartup

Software for designing, orchestrating, and managing entanglement-based quantum networks.

Show all 118 companies
Bluefors imageStartup

Builds dilution refrigerators, cryocoolers, and cryogenic measurement infrastructure used to cool quantum computers.

BlueQubit imageStartup

Quantum software-as-a-service platform for running algorithms on simulators and hardware.

BQP imageStartup

Quantum and quantum-inspired optimization and physics solvers for engineering simulation.

Classiq imageStartup

Quantum software platform that synthesizes optimized quantum circuits from high-level models.

Diraq imageStartup

Builds quantum computers using spin qubits in modified silicon CMOS transistors.

EeroQ imageStartup

Builds quantum chips that use single electrons floating on superfluid helium as qubits, controlled by CMOS.

eleQtron imageStartup

Builds trapped-ion quantum computers controlled with microwaves instead of lasers.

Equal1 imageStartup

Builds rack-mounted silicon spin-qubit quantum computers designed to run inside existing data centers.

Haiqu imageStartup

Quantum software platform for R&D teams covering finance, simulation, quantum machine learning, and CFD workloads.

kiutra imageStartup

Builds helium-3-free magnetic cooling cryostats for qubit characterization and quantum computing cooling.

Kvantify imageStartup

Software running on quantum and classical computers for chemistry and drug discovery problems.

memQ imageStartup

Combines materials, photonics, and matter qubits into a foundry-compatible quantum network architecture.

Miraex imageStartup

Builds photonic circuits as a quantum interconnect layer between quantum processors, sensors, and networks.

Moth imageStartup

Builds quantum computing applications for media, entertainment, and creativity.

Nu Quantum imageStartup

Builds quantum networking hardware, including a qubit-photon interface, to link quantum processors into distributed systems.

ParityQC imageStartup

Quantum architecture company offering the Parity architecture and compiler products.

Phasecraft imageStartup

Develops quantum algorithms for materials simulation and optimization on near-term quantum hardware.

Photonic Inc. imageStartup

Builds distributed quantum computers using T-centre spin qubits in silicon linked by telecom photons.

Planckian imageStartup

Develops superconducting quantum processors with a proprietary qubit control approach.

planqc imageStartup

Builds neutral-atom quantum processors using atoms trapped in optical lattices.

PsiQuantum imageStartup

Builds a utility-scale photonic quantum computer using silicon photonic chips made in commercial fabs.

Qblox imageStartup

Builds modular control and readout electronics for scaling qubit systems across modalities.

QBoson imageStartup

Builds special-purpose optical quantum computers (coherent Ising machines) for optimization problems.

qBraid imageStartup

Quantum cloud platform with a cloud IDE and gateway for running circuits on multiple hardware providers.

QC Design imageStartup

Software for designing, simulating, and optimizing fault-tolerant quantum computer architectures.

QCentroid imageStartup

Platform that matches business problems to combinations of quantum algorithms and hardware.

Qedma imageStartup

Quantum error mitigation and suppression software available across hardware platforms.

Qolab imageStartup

Develops superconducting quantum processors using semiconductor manufacturing.

QphoX imageStartup

Builds microwave-to-optical quantum transducers for optical qubit readout and networking of quantum processors.

Qruise imageStartup

Physics-driven digital twin and machine learning software for developing and calibrating quantum devices.

QuamCore imageStartup

Develops an architecture for scaling superconducting quantum computers to very large qubit counts.

Quandela imageStartup

Builds photonic quantum computers based on its semiconductor single-photon sources, with cloud access.

Quantum Source imageStartup

Develops photonic quantum computers that use single atoms on photonic chips to generate photons and run atom-photon gates.

QuantWare imageStartup

Designs and manufactures superconducting quantum processors sold to system builders, including its VIO 3D scaling architecture.

QuEL imageStartup

Osaka University spinout building quantum computer control hardware and middleware that drives qubit chips.

Quemix imageStartup

Develops quantum algorithms and a cloud-based materials calculation service.

QunaSys imageStartup

Develops quantum computing software for industrial problems, especially chemistry.

Qunett imageStartup

Builds entanglement sources, memory modules, and optical interconnects for quantum networks.

Qunnect imageStartup

Builds entanglement sources, room-temperature quantum memory, and stabilization hardware for quantum networks over telecom fiber.

Quobly imageStartup

Develops silicon spin-qubit quantum computers built on industrial semiconductor processes.

Riverlane imageStartup

Builds the quantum error correction stack, including real-time decoders, for quantum hardware makers.

SaxonQ imageStartup

Builds room-temperature quantum computers based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.

SEEQC imageStartup

Builds digital superconducting quantum computing chips that integrate classical control logic with qubits on chip, and runs a superconducti…

SemiQon imageStartup

Makes cryogenically optimized CMOS transistors and silicon quantum dot devices for scalable quantum hardware.

SpinQ imageStartup

Builds superconducting quantum computers and chips, plus desktop NMR quantum computers for education.

Strangeworks imageStartup

Compute platform giving enterprises and governments access to quantum, AI, and optimization resources.

Welinq imageStartup

Builds cold-atom quantum memories and quantum links to interconnect quantum processors.

Zapata Quantum imageStartup

Quantum application discovery and development platform, relaunched after the 2024 wind-down of Zapata AI.

Aqarios imageStartup

Optimization platform for manufacturing, logistics, and energy using optimization, AI, and quantum computing.

Jij imageStartup

Development platform for mathematical optimization and quantum computing.

KEEQuant imageStartup

Builds integrated-photonics QKD for quantum-safe communication. Pure QKD vendors are adjacent.

Associations and field builders 21

IEEE Quantum Technical Community (QTC) imageTrade Organization

IEEE Computer Society technical community for quantum computing and engineering that runs IEEE Quantum Week (QCE), podcasts, standards and…

Le Lab Quantique imageNonprofit Ecosystem Builder

Building a quantum ecosystem in France.

Show all 21 associations and field builders
Quantum Australia imageCommunity

National center for quantum technology growth in Australia.

Quantum Delta NL imageInnovation Hub

Establishing the Netherlands as Europe's quantum innovation hub.

Quantum Denmark imageInnovation Hub

Accelerating quantum innovation from lab to market.

Quantum Open Source Foundation (QOSF) imageCommunity

Volunteer foundation supporting open source quantum computing tools through a mentorship program, software evaluation and curated learning…

QWorld imageCommunity

Global network and Estonian non-profit association running quantum computing education workshops (QBronze, QSilver), courses, internships a…

Unitary Foundation imageNonprofit Ecosystem Builder

501(c)(3) nonprofit, formerly Unitary Fund, that funds and builds open source quantum software (Mitiq, Metriq, UCC) and runs microgrants an…

Womanium imageNonprofit Ecosystem Builder

Washington DC based nonprofit whose Womanium Quantum program runs global online quantum computing training, scholarships and a startup laun…

QuantumBasel imageInnovation Hub

Switzerland's first quantum computing hub, founded in 2022 by uptownBasel Group in Arlesheim, offering quantum and AI access, services and…

Media and analysis 3

Inside Quantum Technology imageMedia Publication

New York based quantum technology news site, research publisher and conference organizer (IQT events).

Quantum Zeitgeist imageMedia Publication

Independent publication founded in 2018 covering quantum computing, networking and security news, company analysis and features.

Other organizations 14

D-Wave Quantum imageCompany

Builds quantum annealing computers and gate-model superconducting quantum systems.

Horizon Quantum imageCompany

Builds a programming and compilation stack for developers to write and run programs on quantum computers.

IonQ imageCompany

Builds trapped-ion quantum computing systems sold on premises and through cloud access.

IQM Quantum Computers imageCompany

Builds full-stack superconducting quantum computers for HPC centers and research.

Pasqal imageCompany

Builds neutral-atom quantum processors using arrays of atoms held in optical tweezers.

Quantinuum imageCompany

Builds trapped-ion quantum computers and quantum software.

Show all 14 other organizations
Rigetti Computing imageCompany

Builds superconducting quantum processors and full-stack quantum computers, offered over the cloud and on premises.

The Quantum Insider imageResearch Data Provider

Market intelligence for the quantum technology sector.

Xanadu imageCompany

Builds photonic quantum computers and develops the PennyLane quantum software library.

The names to know

People shaping the field

Showing 24 of 401

Person

Abhishek Chopra

Founder, CEO and chief scientific officer of BQP, a quantum-inspired simulation software company (Syracuse, NY and Bengaluru).

Person

Abuzer Yakaryilmaz

Co-founder of the QWorld Association, established in Estonia in 2020.

Person

Akira Furusawa

Co-founder and director of OptQC; University of Tokyo professor of optical quantum computing.

Person

SQMS Center Deputy Director at Fermilab.

Person

Chemist and autonomous laboratory researcher; director of the Acceleration Consortium.

Person

CEO of D-Wave since 2020; previously its EVP of R&D and Chief Product Officer.

Person

Alan Ho

CEO and co-founder of Qolab, a superconducting qubit hardware company.

Person

Alberto Calvo

CTO and co-founder of QCentroid.

Person

Alessandro Bruno

Co-founder and CTO of QuantWare.

Person

Alex Challans

Founder and CEO of The Quantum Insider (founded 2018), a quantum industry news and market intelligence provider.

Person

Theoretical physicist at the University of Cologne and spokesperson of the ML4Q Cluster of Excellence.

Person

CEO of planqc; former senior research fellow in Oxford and Singapore with a management consulting background.

Person

Alexander Regnat

Co-founder and CEO of kiutra, a Munich company making cryogen-free magnetic cooling systems.

Person

Founder and CEO of Anyon Systems, a Montreal superconducting quantum computer maker.

Person

CEO of QuamCore, an Israeli superconducting quantum computing startup.

Person

CEO and co-founder of QUDORA, a trapped-ion quantum computing company from Braunschweig.

Person

Chief Product Officer at Horizon Quantum.

Person

Amanda Stein, Ph.D.

CEO of Q-Cat; previously held leadership roles at UMD's Quantum Technology Center.

Person

Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Classiq.

Person

Amir Yacoby

Co-founder of Quantum Elements.

Person

Quantum physicist and YouTube educator covering quantum computing and deep tech; former co-host of The Quantum State.

Person

Author and philosopher who hosts The Quantum Economy Podcast, launched with The Quantum Insider.

Where the field meets

Events and conferences

Upcoming events 19

Conference series 13

Earlier and undated events 8

Showing 8 of 8

Event

Organizer: Inside Quantum Technology. Location: New York, NY, USA. Dates from https://www.insidequantumtechnology.com/

Event

Organizer: California Governor's Office (QDC/QCSA). Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferenc…

Event

Organizer: Quantum Latino. Location: Envigado, Colombia. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Event

Organizer: Munich Quantum Software Forum. Location: Munich, Germany. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Event

Organizer: Qollab (with IonQ). Location: Online. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Event

Organizer: Tech Tour. Location: Berlin, Germany. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Event

Organizer: Quantum Datacenter Alliance. Location: London, UK. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Event

Organizer: EPB Quantum. Location: Chattanooga, TN, USA. Dates from https://quantumcomputingreport.com/conferences/

Money and ways in

Programs and funding

Programs and fellowships 24

Open funding opportunities 17

Other funding opportunities 7

The field, out loud

Podcasts and episodes

Shows 22

Podcast

Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways — hosted by Amir Rasool, Founder of QAi Talent The go‑to podcast for anyone building or joining the quantu…

Podcast

The nr1 Quantum Technology podcast for investors.

Podcast

Clear as Quantum is an EQUS podcast about quantum science and the exciting technologies that are getting ready to unleash a quantum revolut…

Podcast

DECODE QUANTUM is a show hosted by Fanny Bouton, Olivier Ezratty. We are hearing from key players in quantum technology in order to better…

Podcast

What if a Quantum Computing aficionado with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning talked to a security expert intereste…

Podcast

Quantum Builders: Fireside chats with quantum experts

Tune in for an insightful chat with the 'Quantum Builders'—the experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs making the quantum revolution happen…

Podcast

From Ethan Hansen - This is a podcast all about quantum computing news, basic concepts, and what people in the field are doing. Quantum com…

Podcast

What does quantum physics tell us about reality? What progress have we made since the days of Einstein and Schrödinger, and what problems a…

Podcast

All about quantum computing, quantum programming and the ongoing quantum revolution

Podcast

The Coherence Times podcast serves to break down the challenging world of quantum computing into foundational lessons exploring the challen…

Podcast

The Quantum Economy Podcast is a series of conversations with leaders across quantum science, business, philosophy, and emerging technologi…

Podcast

The first podcast focused on PR and marketing communications for the quantum tech industry, by HKA Marcom, specializing in PR for startup…

Podcast

The Quantum State," is a podcast exploring the latest research and innovation in quantum computing. Join us as we dive into groundbreaking…

Podcast

Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer at QuEra, hosts thought leaders in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications to…

Podcast

Women in Quantum features conversations with women working at the forefront of quantum computing. From research breakthroughs to career jou…

Podcast

Follow The Post-Quantum World, where Protiviti and our guests explore quantum computing and its business impacts, benefits and threats. Qua…

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