Barcelona becomes Europe's Quantum Hub: OQC invests €92M in next-gen computing

Why would one of Europe’s leading quantum computing companies choose Barcelona for its first global development and manufacturing center?

In this interview, Gerald Mullally, CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), explains the factors behind the company’s decision to establish its new Global Quantum Development & Manufacturing Centre in Barcelona, a project that will bring a €92 million investment and create 210 highly skilled jobs over the next five years.

“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”

Gerald Mullally, CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC)

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For Mullally, the answer starts with talent. “Barcelona and Catalonia have some of the strongest talent in the world,” he says, highlighting the region’s universities and ability to attract international experts in one of the world’s most competitive technology fields.

But talent is only part of the equation. OQC was also drawn by Catalonia’s advanced research and innovation ecosystem, including world-class scientific infrastructure and a strong commitment to future technologies. As Mullally notes, quantum computing is entering a new phase, moving “from quantum discovery to quantum infrastructure,” making the right location more important than ever.

The company also found something that stood out from other European destinations: collaboration. “We worked with the Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona City Council and also the Spanish government, and it felt like a team,” says Mullally.

Watch the full interview to discover why OQC believes Barcelona is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the future of quantum computing, and why the company sees a “huge opportunity” for Catalonia to become a strategic quantum hub for Europe.

How Catalonia Trade & Investment supports international investors

Oxford Quantum Circuits’ investment project was supported by Catalonia Trade & Investment, the Government of Catalonia’s agency for foreign investment attraction.

We help international companies establish and expand their operations in Catalonia by providing tailored, free-of-charge support, including location search, access to talent and innovation ecosystems, connections with key partners, and guidance throughout the investment process.

Learn more about how we help companies invest and grow in Catalonia.