quantum technologies in Catalonia

Catalonia, one of Europe's main technological hubs, aspires to become the first quantum computing center in southern Europe.

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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.

“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.”

Carlos Abellan, co-founder & CEO of Quside Technologies

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The power of an innovation culture

Thanks to Catalonia’s solid research and innovation ecosystem, a network of institutions favor this push for quantum technology development.
These include the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), the Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE), the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the University of Barcelona (IN2UB), and other research groups at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), among others.
This research culture is also backed up by the rapidly emerging presence of new QT startups as well as industry leaders committed to incorporating quantum technology into industrial processes.

Connected to quantum technology on a European level

Catalonia (southern Europe) also participates in the EU initiative, Quantum Flagship which seeks to implicate public and private stakeholders in order to establish an EU-wide network for the transfer of quantum technology-based knowledge and research.
Via the Institute of Photonic Sciences, Catalonia, one of the main technology hubs in southern Europe, is participating in 7 projects and coordinating 2 while also being active in the quantum communications pillar participating in three out of four projects. ICFO is also in charge of the communication and dissemination of the initiative.