We build a Resilient and Thriving
Quantum Economy!

QBN is the global industry network and consultancy for quantum technologies promoting commercialization and collaboration, shaping policies and driving industry adoption.

Founded in 2020, QBN, represents over 100 international members across the entire value chain, incl. world-leading startups, enterprises, RTOs, investors, and governmental organisations, developing and using quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum cybersecurity.

QBN builds the industrial quantum powerhouse, driving national security, technological sovereignty, economic growth and a sustainable future.

QBN is the global industry network and consultancy for quantum technologies promoting commercialization and collaboration, shaping policies and driving industry adoption.

Founded in 2020, QBN, represents over 100 international members across the entire value chain, incl. world-leading startups, enterprises, RTOs, investors, and governmental organisations, developing and using quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum cybersecurity.

QBN builds the industrial quantum powerhouse, driving national security, technological sovereignty, economic growth and a sustainable future.

QBN is the global industry network and consultancy for quantum technologies promoting commercialization and collaboration, shaping policies and driving industry adoption.

Founded in 2020, QBN, represents over 100 international members across the entire value chain, incl. world-leading startups, enterprises, RTOs, investors, and governmental organisations, developing and using quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum cybersecurity.

QBN builds the industrial quantum powerhouse, driving national security, technological sovereignty, economic growth and a sustainable future.

Global Industry Network

Business & Innovation Services

Global Industry Network

Business & Innovation Services

Join the QBN world
Explore the benefits and apply for your membership today.

Expand your resources, network and influence in the quantum industry! Let’s kickstart together a new economic era with deeptech as driving force!

Join the QBN world
Explore the benefits and apply for your membership today.

Expand your resources, network and influence in the quantum industry! Let’s kickstart together a new economic era with deeptech as driving force!

Join the QBN world
Explore the benefits and apply for your membership today.

Expand your resources, network and influence in the quantum industry! Let’s kickstart together a new economic era with deeptech as driving force!

Quantum Technologies

Quantum Technologies have the potential to transform various industries like healthcare, finance and materials science, and the way we live. By accelerating drug discovery, enhancing cybersecurity, and creating new materials, these technologies enable us to kick-start a new economic era.

Together we can drive the adoption of quantum technologies and turn quantum into a global industrial powerhouse paving the way for a healthy, united, sovereign and secure future.

Quantum Technologies

Quantum Technologies have the potential to transform various industries like healthcare, finance and materials science, and the way we live. By accelerating drug discovery, enhancing cybersecurity, and creating new materials, these technologies enable us to kick-start a new economic era.

Together we can drive the adoption of quantum technologies and turn quantum into a global industrial powerhouse paving the way for a healthy, united, sovereign and secure future.

100+ International Members

QBN gathers 100+ members from R&D to providers to industry end-users; corporates, SMEs and startups to RTOs and universities to government organizations and investors that are working in the field of quantum technologies including quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing and their entire value chains.

QBN gathers 100+ members from R&D to providers to industry end-users; corporates, SMEs and startups to RTOs and universities to government organizations and investors that are working in the field of quantum technologies including quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing and their entire value chains.

Join the leading quantum network and accelerate your business!

Get access to an international network covering your entire value chain

Create a supportive and flourishing environment for your company and the quantum community by joining our public policy and community activities.

Get access to an international network covering your entire value chain

Create a supportive and flourishing environment for your company and the quantum community by joining our and community and lobbying activities.

News from the Network

eleQtron secures €57 million in one of the world’s largest Series A funding rounds

Quantum computing scale-up eleQtron secures €57 million in one of the largest Series A funding rounds worldwide   One of the largest Series A funding rounds in quantum computing worldwide. Companies of Schwarz Group as lead investor. Additional participation from new and existing investors, including Earlybird. More than €54 million in signed contracts underline strong commercial demand.   Siegen/Hamburg, May 5, 2026 – Deep-tech company eleQtron, a developer of trapped-ion quantum computers, has successfully closed a €57 million Series A funding round. This funding round marks a significant step towards the industrial scaling of eleQtron’s technology and underscores the growing momentum in the global race to commercialise quantum computing. It ranks among the largest Series A funding rounds in quantum computing worldwide and clearly positions eleQtron as one of the most ambitious European players in the international arena. The round is led by Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group, an international leader in the retail industry. The EIC Fund of the European Innovation Council (EIC) is also among the key investors. Additional participation comes from existing investors such as Earlybird, as well as new investors including French VC firm Ankaa Ventures, laser equipment specialist Precitec, and development banks NRW.BANK (Düsseldorf) and IFB Hamburg. The funding package also includes individual grants. eleQtron already has an order backlog of more than €54 million, underlining growing commercial demand and placing the company among the few quantum computing players with meaningful commercial traction. The new capital will be used to build scalable production capacity, expand cloud-based access to eleQtron’s systems, and further advance development its hardware platform. In parallel, eleQtron is advancing its proprietary MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling), which enables highly precise control of trapped ions using miniaturized microwave technology — providing a clear path toward scalable quantum computers. “Quantum computing is transitioning from a research-driven technology to an industrially usable infrastructure. With this funding, we are accelerating that transition and building systems that will solve real-world industrial problems,” said Jan Henrik Leisse, CEO and Co-founder of eleQtron.   Scaling technology for industrial applications Founded in 2020, eleQtron combines research-based technology development with a strong focus on industrial scaling and commercialization. Quantum computing is increasingly being recognized as a critical component of digital infrastructure — comparable to data centers, networks, or AI platforms. This investment strengthens eleQtron’s position as a provider of scalable quantum computing systems for industrial applications. With the capital from the consortium around the companies of Schwarz Group as lead investor, the commercialization of the product’s transition from the laboratory environment to industrial practice will now be significantly accelerated. “Digital sovereignty is a top priority for us and our partners. Following our strategic decisions in the areas of cloud and artificial intelligence, the investment in eleQtron is a logical building block. We want to ensure that we remain independent in key technologies and actively shape forward-looking, secure IT infrastructures right here in Germany,” says Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits. “eleQtron combines a clearly differentiated technology with a compelling approach to scaling and commercializing quantum computing. In particular, the combination of proprietary technology and cloud-based access demonstrates how research can translate into real-world applications. We are excited to continue supporting the company in its next phase of growth,” said Dr. Hendrik Brandis, Co-Founder & Partner, Earlybird. “Quantum computing is entering a crucial phase of industrialisation. Companies such as eleQtron, which combine scientific excellence with a clear focus on scalable systems, are key to translating Europe’s strengths into globally competitive technologies,” emphasises Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board.   About eleQtron eleQtron was founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the University of Siegen and develops quantum processors based on trapped ions. Its proprietary MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) enables highly precise and scalable control of qubits using microwaves. eleQtron employs more than 100 people and partners with leading European research and computing centers to advance the industrial use of quantum computing. About Schwarz Digits Schwarz Digits is the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group and offers impressive digital products and services that meet the high German data protection standards. With the aim of achieving the greatest possible digital sovereignty, Schwarz Digits provides the IT infrastructure and solutions for the extensive ecosystem of Schwarz Group’s companies and develops it for the future. Schwarz Digits’ sovereign core services include Cloud, Cyber Security, Data and AI, Communication and Workspace. In addition, Schwarz Digits creates optimal conditions for the development of trend-setting innovations for end customers, companies, and public sector organizations. About EIC Fund The European Innovation Council Fund from the European Commission is a deep tech investor across all technologies. The EIC Fund aims to fill a critical financing gap, to support companies in the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies. With its large network of capital providers and strategic partners it shares risk and crowds in market players. More information: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-fund   Press contact Anja Bräuning Corporate Communications & Marketing +49 163 8070609 anja.braeuning@eleqtron.com Andreas Grafemeyer Public Relations, The Trailblazers +49 170 9150679 andreas@thetrailblazers.de   Website Klicken Sie auf den unteren Button, um den Inhalt von eleqtron.com zu laden. Inhalt laden

Banner for the International Policy & Business Working Group with IQBN logo, building icon, globe image, and three co-chairs’ headshots.

QBN Announces ​Appointment of ​Co-Chairs for​ New Working Group ​International Policy & Business (WG IPB)

Munich, 29 April 2026 — QBN​ is pleased to announce the appointment of the co-chairs of its newly established ​Working Group International Policy & Business (WG IPB)​.​ ​The WG IPB co-chairs will steer the Working Group’s direction, shape its priorities, and represent the WG IPB in its engagement with industry, policy and the quantum ecosystem.​​     ​​     ​  ​​​​The three co-chairs ​​M​​ilja Kalliosaari, Government Relations Manager, IQM Quantum Computers, Tim Leonhardt, Vice President Business Development & Partner Management, eleQtron ​​and​​ Ulrich Mans​​ ​​​​bring​ together deep expertise in quantum technologies, strategic partnerships, and international policy​ ensuring​​ the WG IPB’s value creation and impact.​     ​​​  ​​​​“The most competitive technology ecosystems are rarely accidental. They are the product of deliberate policy, close government-industry collaboration, and a shared willingness to take risk. Getting that relationship right is increasingly a condition for staying relevant.” stated Milja Kalliosaari.​​​  ​​​​“Europe’s current deep tech agenda is ​​flawed​​. It currently overstates future capability and underestimates the need to be strategic about global interdependencies. This working group is about fixing this for quantum. We want to define what smart collaboration looks like in practice – where European strengths are amplified through trusted international partnerships.” says Ulrich Mans.​​​​​    ​​​About ​​WG IPB Co-Chairs  ​​Milja Kalliosaari, Government Relations Manager, IQM Quantum Computers​​, ​​​​​​​leads government relations at IQM Quantum Computers, driving policy engagement across Europe and monitoring global technological developments. She has contributed to the Finnish National Quantum Strategy, serves as Finland’s National Delegate to the NATO Transatlantic Quantum Community, and participates in committees shaping EU and Finnish digitalization policy. She is recognised as an expert in bridging public agencies and the private sector to translate policy into actionable outcomes for the innovation ecosystem.​​​  ​​Tim Leonhardt, Vice President Business Development & Partner Management, eleQtron​​,​​​​​​​ h​Holds a Master’s degree from RWTH Aachen University in solid-state physics, with a focus on quantum computation and information and the physics of nanostructures, as well as a PhD in physics on semiconductor qubits in nanofabrication and Sci. Setup/System. Prior to his current role, he worked as a Technology Innovation Manager at Accenture, bringing experience at the intersection of quantum technologies and industrial application.​ ​​Ulrich Mans​​​​​ brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of international relations, high-tech ecosystems, and innovation policy. He played a central role in leading partnership development and the international strategy for Quantum Delta NL, Dutch national quantum technology programme – including the establishment of the world’s first commercial House of Quantum. He is widely recognised for advancing the European quantum community and pushing for a proactive approach in view of technological sovereignty, economic security and resilient supply chains. He combines a strong background in innovation policy with hands-on experience in building multi-stakeholder collaborations across government, industry, and research networks. ​  ​​​​​​​  ​​​​About​​ Working Group International Policy & Business (WG IPB) ​​​  ​​​​QBN WG IPB starts from a provocative premise: Europe must stop playing defence and start building the industrial champions, joint infrastructures, and trusted value chains that make us a partner of choice. ​​As the trusted, member-driven, the WG IPB​​ ​​strives​​ for​​ positioning Europe as a leading force in the emerging quantum economy by shaping a globally aligned policy framework. We aim to support strategic autonomy and sovereign infrastructure while catalysing the international collaborations that secure market access and competitiveness for our members.​​​​​  ​​​​More on: https://qbn.world/home/working-groups/wg-international-policy-business/​​​​​  ​​     ​​​     ​​​​     ​​​​     ​​​​     ​​​     ​  Contact ​us ​to get involved: https://qbn.world/home/contact/  

Banner announcing QBN WG Quantum for Defence 2nd Session with audience and aircraft backdrop, IQBN logo visible

QBN Working Group Quantum For Defence Convenes Second Session to Advance Quantum Defence Capabilities

Munich – The QBN Working Group Defence & Security (WG QDS) successfully concluded its second official meeting, consolidating a high-level coalition dedicated to securing a strategic technological edge for NATO and allied partner nations.  Building on the momentum of its inaugural meeting held during the run-up to the Munich Security Conference, the WG has rapidly scaled to include 20+ government organisations and Ministries of Defence from Europe, the US, Japan and others, alongside a robust ecosystem of 70+ SMEs and Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) from the global quantum economy as well as deeptech investors and Tier-1 Defence primes.  Strategic Alignment and Historical Context  The second session focused on overcoming adoption and procurement barriers. A centrepiece of the meeting was an expert briefing providing historical perspectives into the U.S. Pentagon’s adoption roadmap. This analysis offered a logic and impact-focused blueprint for navigating the “valley of death” between laboratory breakthroughs and integrated defence systems, emphasizing the necessity of long-term, mission-oriented public support.  Integration of the Quantum Industrial Base  Recognizing that innovation often resides within agile, specialized entities, the WG QDS initiated a critical dialogue on SME integration into defence procurement cycles and the Engagement of the Public Sectors, in-particular Defence Ministries, with the quantum industry. Participants addressed the structural barriers that currently hinder small-to-midsize quantum hardware and software providers from engaging with complex military acquisition frameworks.  “Quantum technologies such as quantum computing and quantum sensors are no longer a theoretical idea; they are a current requirement for national security and strategic superiority. By aligning MoD requirements with the agility of the European and international quantum ecosystem, we are ensuring that the strategic edge remains with our allies.”  Key Outcomes and Objectives:  Consortium Expansion: Continued growth of the triple-helix model (Government, Industry, Academia) to ensure cross-border interoperability.  Sector Literacy: Ongoing initiatives to brief military leadership and defence stakeholders on quantum-resistant cryptography, quantum sensing for PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing), and advanced computing.  Procurement Reform: Documentation of requirements to streamline SME engagement in classified and unclassified defence procurement.  About QBN WG Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security  The QBN Working Group Defence serves as the premier international forum for quantum-defence dual-use coordination. It facilitates high-trust networking and collaborative project development to ensure that quantum innovation translates directly into advanced defence capabilities and national security resilience.  More on: https://qbn.world/home/working-groups/wg-quantum-technologies-for-defence-security/  

Announcement image showing the Kvantify QRunch logo and the words 'now available on' with the purple-pink Q Braids logo, indicating availability on qBraid.

Kvantify Qrunch Now Available on qBraid Lab

We are excited to announce that Kvantify Qrunch is now available on qBraid Lab, expanding access to advanced quantum chemistry workflows for researchers, developers, and enterprise teams. Developed by Kvantify, Qrunch is a quantum chemistry technology designed to tackle classically intractable molecular systems using hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. With its integration into qBraid Lab, users can now seamlessly explore Qrunch workflows alongside other leading quantum tools within a unified development environment.   Advancing Quantum Chemistry Workflows Qrunch focuses on enabling practical quantum advantage in chemistry through: Variational quantum algorithms tailored for real-world molecular systems Efficient active-space methods for scaling beyond classical limits Hybrid workflows that combine classical simulation with quantum execution By bringing Qrunch into qBraid Lab, users benefit from streamlined access to quantum backends, reproducible environments, and collaborative tooling, all in one place.   Featured Tutorials Butyronitrile Dissociation: Explore C≡N bond dissociation in butyronitrile, relevant to lithium-ion batteries and solar cell technologies, using variational algorithms to approximate ground-state energies. Carbon Capture with COF-999: Model CO₂ binding in a promising carbon capture material and analyze how water lowers transition-state energy across reaction pathways. Covalent Ligand Binding: Simulate ligand binding to proteins using the BEAST-VQE algorithm, enabling larger active-space calculations through efficient qubit mappings. Dehalogenase Reaction (SN2): Investigate enzyme-catalyzed reactions for environmentally friendly degradation of haloalkanes, with applications in bioremediation. Ionization Potentials: Compute ionization energies of molecules like ammonia via variational methods, comparing neutral and ionized states.   Why This Matters The integration of Qrunch into qBraid Lab represents another step toward a more interoperable quantum ecosystem. By combining Kvantify’s chemistry-focused tooling with qBraid’s platform capabilities, users can: Prototype quantum chemistry workflows faster Access multiple quantum and classical backends in one place Scale experiments from tutorials to production-grade research Getting Started with Qrunch on qBraid Lab To support onboarding and experimentation, Kvantify provides a robust set of tutorials covering key applications in quantum chemistry and materials science. These tutorials are designed to run in a configured environment with Qrunch installed and are best used within an IDE that supports code completion for an optimal development experience. Start your Qrunch trial on qBraid Lab: https://account.qbraid.com Learn more about Qrunch: https://www.kvantify.com/products/qrunch

QBN Events

​Quantum Computing Industry Training

Quantum computing offers great potential for solving problem classes that are extremely difficult or currently out of reach for classical methods alone. It is an emerging technology stack that enables developers and technical professionals to tackle specific problem classes in entirely new ways and, in some domains, to achieve massive speed-ups. Our three-day Industry training […]

06.05.2026 9:00 am

Maritime Innovation Insights MII 8

MII 8 on May 7, 2026, will place a strong focus on demonstrations and applications. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., three sessions will provide in-depth insights into our fields of innovation—shipping, ports, maritime autonomous systems, and port technologies—with keynote speeches and demonstrations in our laboratories. You will have the opportunity to engage in intensive […]

07.05.2026 10:00 am

Quantum Meets

From May 19 – 21, the Dutch national quantum showcase Quantum Meets will take place in the Netherlands. The plenary day, Quantum Meets Innovation, will be held on May 20 at B. Amsterdam (Johan Huizingalaan 763A). It brings together the Dutch and international communities for a full day of sessions, discussion and networking. You’ll have the opportunity to […]

19.05.2026 12:00 am

WG Diamond Quantum Technologies: Scaling of Diamond for Quantum Technologies

  QBN WG Meetings are for QBN members only! Contact us for a trial participation in case of interest in becoming a QBN member. WG Meeting Details:Date: 19.05.2026Venue: TNO | Stieltjesweg 1, 2628 CK Delft, Netherlands | Room N329RSVP required. What does it mean to scale diamond for quantum technologies and applications, and which aspects […]

19.05.2026 9:30 am

Quantum Calls

Error-Corrected Quantum Computing with Development of Pilot Lines (Quantum Computing Competition)

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Deadline: 11.05.2026 | 12:00 am

(APAC) Singapore NRF Fellowship Call (Class of 2027)

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Deadline: 13.05.2026 | 12:00 am

IRIS2 QKD microsatellite pilot mission

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Deadline: 18.05.2026 | 4:00 pm

Call for proposals: Using quantum technology to enable breakthroughs in life science and healthcare

Read more!

Deadline: 19.05.2026 | 1:00 pm

Working Groups

Bringing together end-users and developers with suppliers and integrators in a trust-based environment creates the perfect foundation for valuable business and collaboration opportunities

Working Groups

Bringing together end-users and developers with suppliers and integrators in a trust-based environment creates the perfect foundation for valuable business and collaboration opportunities

Quantum Business Network

We Build a Strong Quantum Industry Together!

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