Quantum Computing: Europe's Path from Fundamental Research to Industrial Leadership

In this talk, I will reflect on Europe’s position in the global quantum computing race. As the birthplace of quantum physics, Europe is home to leading research institutions, a competitive photonics and laser industry, and strong ties between academia and industry. This foundation is remarkable – yet turning it into sustainable industrial impact remains an ongoing challenge.

A central focus of the talk will be on the structural dynamics shaping this transformation. Scientific excellence is a necessary condition, but no longer sufficient on its own. What increasingly matters are the frameworks that connect fundamental research with industrial ecosystems, the capacity to scale promising technologies, and the ability to act with strategic coherence across sectors and borders. Germany plays a key role in this context – with its robust applied research infrastructure and growing momentum in deep-tech entrepreneurship.

To ground these reflections in concrete technological developments, I will also discuss recent advances in quantum computing based on neutral atoms. This approach illustrates how scientific breakthroughs can evolve into viable technologies, offering a promising path toward scalable and fault-tolerant quantum systems. These developments are not only technically impressive – they also show where Europe can gain ground, if strategic support and industrial translation go hand in hand.