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Overview

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the Quantum Europe Conference returns at a pivotal moment for both global and European quantum ambitions. Policymakers, industry leaders, national authorities, and civil society experts will gather to explore what is needed to establish a thriving European ecosystem for quantum technologies, positioning the region as a global leader in quantum excellence and innovation.

 

This year’s conference will explore the EU’s expanding quantum agenda, including initiatives such as the Quantum Flagship, EuroQCI, and the EU Quantum Strategy and forthcoming EU Quantum Act. Discussions will focus on how to scale Europe’s quantum ecosystem, foster commercial leadership, and secure global competitiveness in line with Digital Decade goals. Topics will also cover the impact of quantum technologies on cybersecurity, future communications, industrial adoption, and the ongoing tension between international cooperation and technological sovereignty.

Key Themes

Europe's Global Quantum Edge

Preparing for the Quantum Threat

Quantum Communication in the EU

Quantum in Action

The EU Quantum Vision

2024 Highlights Video

Speakers

Henna Virkkunen

Henna
Virkkunen

Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

European Commission

Juan Cruz Cigudosa

Juan Cruz
Cigudosa

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities

Government of Spain

Gustav Kalbe

Gustav
Kalbe

Acting Director, Enabling and Emerging Technologies and Head of Unit, Quantum Technologies, DG CONNECT

European Commission

Aymard De Touzalin

Aymard De
Touzalin

Head of Unit, Emerging & Disruptive Technologies

European Commission

Pascal Maillot

Pascal
Maillot

Deputy Head of Unit, Quantum Technologies, DG CONNECT

European Commission

Laurent Jaffart

Laurent
Jaffart

Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications

ESA

Juan Cruz Cigudosa

Juan Cruz
Cigudosa

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities

Government of Spain

Aymard De Touzalin

Aymard De
Touzalin

Head of Unit, Emerging & Disruptive Technologies

European Commission

Pascal Maillot

Pascal
Maillot

Deputy Head of Unit, Quantum Technologies, DG CNNECT

European Commission

Laurent Jaffart

Laurent
Jaffart

Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications

ESA

Agenda

**Times are in CET**

Quantum Europe
2025-10-01
09:00 - 09:35
Keynote Speeches
09:35 - 10:45
Session 1: The EU’s Quantum Strategy and Beyond: Building a Comprehensive and Sovereign Quantum Ecosystem

The European Commission’s recently unveiled Quantum Strategy sets out an ambitious roadmap to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. Structured around five key pillars, the Strategy outlines major initiatives, including the launch of the Quantum Europe research and innovation initiative, the creation of a quantum design facility, six pilot lines for quantum chips, a pilot facility for the European quantum internet, and the expansion of Quantum Competence Clusters across the EU. It also introduces the European Quantum Skills Academy, due to launch in 2026.

 

In this context, the session will explore how policy, regulation, and governance can underpin the development of a resilient, future-ready, and strategically autonomous quantum ecosystem. Panelists will assess the ambition and scope of the Strategy, evaluate whether its proposed actions are sufficient to meet Europe’s goals, and examine how these efforts can help realise the vision of Europe as the “Quantum Valley” of the world — a centre of excellence, innovation, and industrial strength in quantum science and technology.

 

  • How are the EU Quantum Strategy, as well as next year’s Quantum Act, expected to contribute to building a more unified, strategically coordinated quantum ecosystem across Europe?
  • Do the proposed initiatives in the European Quantum Strategy go far enough to foster a self-sustaining quantum ecosystem? What key challenges may hinder successful implementation and how can these be overcome?
  • Does the Strategy suitably harmonise and support Member State’s ongoing efforts in quantum technology? How can Member States align their national strategies with the EU-wide vision to avoid fragmentation?
  • How can existing initiatives, including the Quantum Technologies Flagship, EuroQCI, and the EuroHPC, contribute to a more connected, integrated, and resilient European quantum ecosystem? How will these initiatives be harmonised with the broader ambitions of the new Quantum Strategy?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the development of a skilled quantum workforce in Europe? Do those actions proposed in the Strategy do enough in this regard?
  • Looking ahead to 2026 and the Quantum Act, what kind of regulatory frameworks will be needed to govern quantum communication, encryption, and computing responsibly?
  • One year on from the inaugural Quantum Europe Conference, how close is Europe to realising its ambition of becoming the world’s ‘Quantum Valley’?
10:45 - 11:15
Refreshment Break
11:15 - 12:15
Session 2: Celebrating Quantum in Action: Real-World Successes and Industry Adoption

As quantum technologies transition from research to real-world deployment, leading European companies are beginning to apply quantum solutions to address complex industrial challenges. From pharmaceutical discovery and advanced materials to aerospace optimisation and financial modeling, businesses across sectors are exploring quantum computing, sensing, and secure communications to unlock new capabilities and competitive advantages.

 

Accordingly, this session will highlight concrete case studies of quantum adoption, providing a platform for users to share their strategies, milestones, and key lessons learned. Panelists will discuss how quantum is driving innovation and operational efficiency, while also confronting the major challenges of commercial scalability, investment, and an evolving regulatory environment. With Europe aiming to lead globally in quantum, the conversation will explore what is needed to support the transition from pilots to production, including industrial readiness, skills development, and enabling policy, and how businesses can future-proof themselves for the quantum age.

 

  • What are the most significant technical and operational barriers preventing broader industry adoption of quantum computing, sensing, and communications in Europe and beyond?
  • How are companies navigating challenges such as infrastructure readiness, talent shortages, and the transition from research environments to commercial deployment?
  • What lessons can be drawn from other deep-tech sectors in successfully bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world application?
  • How soon might we see quantum technologies reach mainstream adoption across key industries, and what factors will accelerate or delay this transition?
  • Which emerging breakthroughs and trends have the potential to reshape how quantum technologies are integrated into business and society?
  • What practical steps should companies take today to ensure they are quantum-ready in the coming decade, from workforce planning to strategic investment?
  • How can policy and regulation support rather than slow quantum deployment in industry? What frameworks are needed to ensure responsible development?
12:15 - 13:15
Session 3: Quantum Communication in the EU: Building a Secure Quantum Future and the EuroQCI

As the European Union accelerates its leadership in next-generation technologies, quantum communication is emerging as a strategic pillar for advancing cybersecurity, digital resilience, and technological sovereignty. Central to this ambition is the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), a flagship initiative aimed at deploying a secure, pan-European quantum communication network that integrates both terrestrial fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems and satellite-based quantum links.

This session will examine the evolving landscape of quantum communication in Europe, with a particular focus on EuroQCI and its role within the broader EU Quantum Strategy. Panelists will explore the progress made to date, remaining priorities, and the policy frameworks guiding the development of secure, resilient, and scalable quantum communication infrastructure. 

 

  • How critical is quantum communication to Europe’s vision for digital sovereignty, and how does it support the EU’s broader security and resilience goals?
  • What are the core goals of the EuroQCI initiative, and how do they align with broader EU digital and security strategies?
  • How can EuroQCI contribute to Europe’s long-term cyber resilience, particularly in the face of future quantum-enabled threats to classical encryption systems?
  • What progress has been made in the development and deployment of EuroQCI’s terrestrial and satellite segments, and what are the next key milestones?
  • How can the EU ensure interoperability and standardisation of QKD systems across Member States?
  • What role will satellite-based quantum links play in complementing fibre-optic infrastructure, particularly for remote or cross-border communication?
  • What are the most significant technical challenges in building a secure and scalable quantum communication network, and how are they being addressed?
  • What is the role of national governments versus EU-level coordination in managing spectrum, authorisation, and regulatory oversight for quantum communication?
  • How is the EU working with international bodies such as ETSI, ITU, and ISO to develop global standards and frameworks for quantum communication?
13:15 - 14:15
Lunch
14:15 - 14:30
Presentation: QUEST – Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage
14:30 - 15:30
Session 4: Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity – Preparing for the Quantum Threat

As quantum computing continues to advance, it brings both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities for cybersecurity. While still in its early stages, the emergence of cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) raises concerns about their potential to break widely used encryption methods, enabling threats such as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks and authentication vulnerabilities. At the same time, quantum technologies offer solutions to fortify cybersecurity, with innovations such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNGs) paving the way for a more resilient digital infrastructure. Following the release of the ‘Coordinated Implementation Roadmap for the Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography’,
this panel will explore the dual impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity, addressing both the risks and the safeguards required to ensure long-term cyber resilience.

 

  • What are the immediate and long-term implications of quantum technologies for cybersecurity? How are stakeholders preparing for possible post-quantum standards, and to what extent are those issues addressed in NIS2, the European Cyber Security Strategy, as well as the forthcoming Quantum Act?
  • How consequential is the Coordinated Implementation Roadmap for the Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography, the first deliverable from the NIS Cooperation Group’s post-quantum cryptography work stream, in preparing for the quantum threat?
  • Following the European Commission’s Recommendation on the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and the release of the Coordinated Implementation Roadmap, what insights can be drawn from Member State-level initiatives? How are national timelines and implementation plans evolving, and what lessons can be shared to support a cohesive EU-wide transition?
  • How can Europe best prepare for an era where CRQCs are readily available? What concrete steps can organisations take today to prepare for the quantum age and enhance cryptographic agility? 
  • What role will PQC, QKD, and QRNGs play in protecting digital security, and what barriers exist to their widespread adoption?
  • How can we foster stronger coordination between national efforts and EU-wide initiatives? How might EU Member States pool expertise, funding, and cybersecurity capacity to build the skills and coordination needed for a successful and secure transition?”
  • What role does the human factor play in the transition to post-quantum cryptography, and how critical is it to prepare the workforce and key stakeholders across sectors? 
  • How is the EU leveraging its cybersecurity ecosystem to engage in global standard-setting for post-quantum cryptography?
15:30 - 15:45
Refreshment Break
15:45 - 16:45
Session 5: Europe’s Role in the Global Quantum Race – Balancing Cooperation & Sovereignty

As the United Nations (UN) International Year of Quantum progresses, quantum technologies continue to gain prominence as a strategic priority for nations worldwide, with significant investments in research, development, and commercialization. Given the complex nature of these technologies, alongside supply chain challenges, high costs, and evolving standards, it seems likely that global collaboration will prove key to unlocking the full potential of quantum technologies. Accordingly, this session will explore Europe’s position within the global quantum ecosystem, addressing how the bloc can balance international cooperation with digital sovereignty ambitions. Panelists will examine the importance of trade partnerships, supply chain security, export controls, and regulatory frameworks, as well as how Europe can engage with international stakeholders, including developing economies, to drive quantum innovation forward. 

 

  • How important are international collaborations and partnerships like those seen at the EU–Korea strategic cooperation on quantum technologies?
  • How can the EU reconcile its need for global collaboration in quantum technologies with its aspirations for digital sovereignty?
  • What role will the forthcoming EU Quantum Strategy and Act play in shaping Europe’s approach to global collaboration? How should the EU Quantum Strategy and Act address geopolitical challenges in quantum technology development?
  • How does Europe’s approach to quantum development compare to major global players? Where do opportunities exist for deeper international partnerships?
  • How vulnerable is the global quantum supply chain? What steps should Europe take to reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers while fostering a trusted, resilient ecosystem?
  • How should the EU shape regulatory frameworks for quantum technology imports and exports? How can policies balance strategic autonomy with the needs of Europe’s start-up ecosystem?
  • What role does standardisation play in fostering innovation and competitiveness? How can Europe safeguard intellectual property in global or regional agreements?
  • How can intergovernmental initiatives like the Quantum Flagship’s International Cooperation program enhance global partnerships?
16:45 - 17:00
Closing Keynote Speech
17:00
End of Conference
Select date to see events.

Costs

  • Standard €180

    Applies to: Corporate Organisations, Trade Associations, Law Firms

  • Reduced €130

    Applies to: NGO, Not for Profit / Charity, Academic / Student

  • Complimentary €0

    Applies to: European Commission / Parliament / Council, National Government / Regulator, Diplomatic Missions to the EU, Permanent Representations to the EU, Accredited Journalists

* Fees do not include Belgian VAT @ 21%, and this amount will be added to the total price when you are invoiced.

Please note that all registrations are subject to review by the organisers. The organisational categories listed reflect the most common participant profiles from previous editions and may not cover every individual circumstance. If you are unsure which category applies to you, please contact us via the Contact section before completing your registration. Selecting an incorrect category may delay or prevent confirmation of your place at the event. We are always happy to assist to ensure the correct category is selected.

Sponsorship Opportunities

To discuss sponsorship and visibility opportunities at the 2025 Quantum Europe Conference, please contact Anne-Lise Simon at quantum@forum-europe.com, or +44 (0) 7389 702 584. 

Exclusive speaking positions

Your organisation can contribute to the discussion

Engaging and interactive format

Engage in a fully immersive and interactive debate with decision makers, businesses and policymakers

European and global outreach

Convey your message to a broad and international audience

Networking opportunities

Connect with your fellow attendees during coffee and lunch breaks throughout the event

Visibility opportunities

Ensure maximum visibility through branding in the room, on the event website and marketing activities

2025 sponsors and partners

Quantum Circle

Sponsors and Partners of the 2024 edition

Microsoft
C12 Quantum Electronics
Pasqal
QuintessenceLabs
QuIC logo for ws
Quic expo for WS
Aetha Consulting

Confirmed Speakers

Include...

Gustav Kalbe

Gustav Kalbe

Acting Director,
Enabling and Emerging Technologies and Head of Unit, Quantum Technologies,
DG CONNECT

European Commission

Anita Wehmann

Anita Wehmann

Program Manager Digital Resilience

Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Netherlands

Mario Grotz

Mario Grotz

Director General for Industry, Technology and Research

Ministry of Economy,
Luxembourg

Pascal Maillot Quantum

Pascal Maillot

Acting Head of Unit, High Performance Computing and Quantum Technologies,
DG CONNECT

European Commission

Get In Touch

Event Venue

The Hotel Brussels

Contact Us

quantum@forum-europe.com

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