Quantum Computing: High Expectations, Limited Engagement

• Two-thirds of companies see quantum computing as an opportunity, but only 8 per cent are already working on it intensively
• Desire for funding of pilot projects and access to quantum platforms
• Bitkom publishes study report “Quantum Computing in the German Economy 2026”

Berlin, 30 March 2026 – The German economy largely regards quantum computing as an important future technology and an opportunity for their own business, yet the vast majority are not actively advancing the topic and are taking a wait-and-see approach. Two-thirds of German companies with 100 or more employees (67 per cent) consider quantum computing an opportunity, 19 per cent see it more as a risk, and 9 per cent expect it to have no impact on their business. From the perspective of 80 per cent of companies, quantum computing is an important future technology for the German economy. 56 per cent anticipate that competitors will adopt quantum computing. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of companies (64 per cent) say they want to observe the experiences of others before taking action themselves. Only 8 per cent are already working intensively on the subject. A further 27 per cent are engaging with it to a lesser extent, while 42 per cent are planning to work with quantum computing or could imagine doing so in the future. 

These are the results of a representative survey of 607 companies with 100 or more employees, conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. They were published today in the study report “Quantum Computing in the German Economy 2026”. 

“Quantum computing is not yet a technology that can easily be utilised across the economy. However, it has the potential to transform entire sectors, from materials research and healthcare to logistics and retail,” says Bitkom President Dr Ralf Wintergerst. “It is worthwhile to build expertise early and to experiment with quantum computing.” 

Quantum computing refers to a technology that exploits quantum physics effects to perform particularly complex calculations more efficiently and quickly than conventional computers. Quantum computers can, for example, solve problems in logistics, drug development, or materials research that are practically impossible for classical computers. At the same time, they could potentially undermine today’s common encryption methods.

USA Considered Leading in Quantum Computing 

In an international comparison, only 3 per cent of companies consider Germany to be a global leader. 35 per cent place Germany in the middle, 29 per cent as a laggard. The USA are by far regarded as the leading nation (32 per cent), followed by China (14 per cent) and Japan (13 per cent). 12 per cent currently see no nation as leading. 

“Europe is strong in quantum research, but we still struggle with mobilising private capital and translating research results into concrete applications,” says Wintergerst. “Germany and Europe must take a leading role in quantum computing. Advanced capabilities in quantum computing will soon be a fundamental prerequisite for digital sovereignty.”

Companies Divided on IT Security Risks 

In companies’ perception, quantum computing is closely linked with IT security: 94 per cent generally see it as a risk to their IT security. Of these, 44 per cent assess the risk as very high or rather high, while 50 per cent consider it present but rather low or very low. At the same time, even among those companies that use or are interested in quantum computing, around a third (34 per cent) have not yet taken measures to prepare for associated risks. 46 per cent have at least carried out risk assessments or vulnerability analyses, or plan to do so. 39 per cent conduct internal information and awareness measures or have plans to do so, 29 per cent for transitioning to quantum-secure encryption methods, and 22 per cent for analysing cryptographic systems.

Main Barriers: People and Expertise 

Most companies currently cite a lack of personnel resources (65 per cent) as a barrier to engaging with the use and implications of quantum computing. Other concerns include unclear regulatory requirements and worries that the technology is not yet mature (both 61 per cent). 56 per cent lack an overview of quantum computing offerings and suitable applications, 54 per cent lack knowledge of the technology and potential risks, and 47 per cent cite unclear economic benefits. 41 per cent consider limited access to hardware or test infrastructures a hurdle, 36 per cent focus on other future technologies, and around a quarter (27 per cent) lack sufficient budget.

Companies Need Practical Support 

For companies already interested in or using quantum computing, financial support for pilot projects would help (69 per cent). They also desire low-threshold and discounted access to quantum platforms, for example via cloud services (67 per cent). There is also strong demand for greater market guidance, for instance regarding providers, tools, and platforms (66 per cent). Training and further education (61 per cent) as well as practical use cases (50 per cent) are also on many companies’ wish lists. “Companies don’t want lofty visions, they want concrete entry support for quantum computing,” comments Wintergerst.

Bitkom Hosts AIDAQ Summit in Berlin 

Quantum computing and its opportunities for business are also topics at the Bitkom AIDAQ Summit on 22–23 September at the bcc Berlin. AIDAQ stands for “AI, Data and Quantum”. The summit is Europe’s leading event for artificial intelligence, data economy, and quantum technology. It brings together more than 2,500 decision-makers from politics, business, and research. Attendees can expect over 200 high-profile speakers and 140 programme sessions across four stages. For the first time, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is acting as patron. All information about the AIDAQ programme is available online at aidaq.berlin. 

The full results of the Bitkom survey, as well as practical examples, are included in the newly published study report “Quantum Computing in the German Economy 2026 – Between Expectation and Implementation”, which is available for free download here.