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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’?

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?

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?

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?

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?