quantum technologies
in Catalonia

Catalonia, one of Europe’s leading technology hubs, is consolidating its position as a southern European reference in quantum science and technologies. Its world-class research ecosystem, growing business base and strong government commitment are accelerating the transfer of quantum innovation into jobs, economic activity and business competitiveness.

Download our report about Quantum Technologies in Catalonia

Quantum technology
Catalonia’s next tech frontier

Quantum technologies – a relatively new scientific field – explore physics and engineering at atom and subatomic level, with the potential to impact multiple emerging quantum areas, such as computing, communication, sensing and simulation. You can search for Catalan providers of Quantum technologies in our directory Catalonia Industry Suppliers.

Given the importance of this new technology, the Catalan Government has recently set up QuantumCAT, the Quantum Technologies Hub of Catalonia, made up of a mix of leading research institutions in Catalonia and industrial actors.

Turning research into reality

With the overarching goal of making Catalonia one of Europe’s leading technological hubs in this exciting new area, QuantumCAT, the Quantum Technologies Hub of Catalonia, aims to take selected high-potential laboratory technologies to industrial deployment via a three-fold strategy.

Firstly,  through collaborative efforts focused on research, development, and investment in quantum technology. Secondly, by facilitating community-wide dissemination of successful deployment and innovation strategies, and, thirdly, by connecting with relevant research groups and industrial actors.

Insights from
quantum companies
in Catalonia.

  • Quside Technologies

    Carlos Abellan

    Co-founder & CEO of Quside Technologies

    "We're very well served in Catalonia, from the quantum point of view, we have a very rich ecosystem in quantum technology and photonics, and I think we can build a very strong hub".

  • Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC)

    Gerard Mullally

    CEO of OQC

    "Barcelona and Catalonia have some of the strongest talent in the world. We are looking forward to recruiting quantum talent and scaling to 210 jobs in the region".

  • 52 companies

  • 470 qualified jobs

  • €91.4M in turnover

A coordinated government strategy

The Quantum Technology Strategy of Catalonia provides a comprehensive framework to consolidate the region as a European benchmark. In 2026, the Government also brought quantum technology providers and user industries together to accelerate business adoption and define strategic actions.

The strategy focuses on:

  • Infrastructure to test quantum technologies and deploy early services
  • Talent attraction, training and retention
  • R&D and innovation
  • Industrial adoption and entrepreneurial support
  • Public procurement pilots
  • International regulatory alignment and alliances

Furthermore, QuantumCAT, the Quantum Technologies Hub of Catalonia, brings research institutions and industry together to transfer advances from the laboratory into real-world use, ensuring short- and mid-term benefits for industry and society.

Building the future by creating new talent

Catalonia offers a complete training pathway in quantum technologies, from STEM-based bachelor’s degrees at leading universities to specialized postgraduate programs, including the Interuniversity Master’s Degree in Quantum Science and Technology and UPC’s Postgraduate Degree in Quantum Engineering.

Focused courses in quantum computing and the Catalonia Quantum Academy further support the specialized talent needed for wider industrial adoption.

The power of an innovation culture

Catalonia stands out for its excellence in research and world-class infrastructure, with leading institutions including:

•    ICFO - Institute of Photonic Sciences
•    ICN2 - Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
•    BSC - Barcelona Supercomputing Center
•    IFAE - Institute for High Energy Physics
•    CNM - National Microelectronics Centre
•    CTTC - Telecommunications Technology Centre of Catalonia
•    ICMAB-CSIC, IN2UB, i2CAT and Eurecat, among others.

These institutions work across quantum computing, communications and encryption, sensing, algorithms, materials and photonics technologies.

Catalonia is also home to Spain’s first quantum computer built entirely with European technology. Installed at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center through the Quantum Spain initiative, it strengthens the region’s capacity for research, experimentation and business applications.

Connected to quantum technology at European level

Catalonia is a major player in Horizon Europe’s quantum research agenda. Between 2022 and the first quarter of 2026, the region secured:

  • 44.4% of all Horizon Europe funding awarded in Spain to projects with a quantum component
  • 2.7% of all quantum-related Horizon Europe funding awarded across the European Union

This funding supported 53 projects representing €50 million in investment. Catalan companies and research institutions participate in European consortia across computing, secure communications, sensing and enabling technologies.

Catalonia also participates in European initiatives including Quantum Flagship, EuroQCI and EuroHPC, strengthening its links to Europe’s emerging quantum value chain and infrastructure.
 

 
 

Main players and events
in Quantum Technologies.

See below Catalonia’s main initiatives and research centers for the development of Quantum Technologies.

Related news & Success Stories
in Barcelona (Catalonia).