15–17 February 2026, Riyadh – The Quantum Business Network (QBN) advanced the industrial dialogue on quantum technologies at WAM Saudi 2026, with QBN APAC Lead Raghunath Koduvayur delivering a Main Stage keynote focused on practical pathways for quantum adoption in manufacturing and logistics.  In his talk, “Quantum Meets Manufacturing: Insights from Europe, Asia, and the World”, Raghu highlighted how quantum is moving from experimental research into practical industrial deployment, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, addressing long-standing challenges in production scheduling, quality processes, and supply chain optimisation, while underlining the importance of stronger connections between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific for accelerating real-world adoption.  As Quantum Technology Partner of WAM Saudi, QBN connected industry leaders, innovators, and investors from manufacturing and logistics with its global member network, acting as a central point of access to quantum technologies for the more than 20,000 professionals attending the event across manufacturing, logistics, advanced materials, and digital innovation.  QBN member Qudora was also represented on the industry stage by Jani Heikkinen, Vice President of Business Development, reflecting the growing presence of QBN’s member companies in global industrial discussions around quantum commercialisation and deployment.  Building sustainable quantum capabilities now requires closer integration between regional ecosystems, particularly across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. QBN is actively enabling this exchange, and companies in the region are invited to get in touch with QBN and its members to explore industrial use cases, access global expertise, and collaboratively  shape the next phase of quantum-driven industrial transformation. 

Munich, 12 Feb 2026 – The QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security (WG QDS) took the stage at the NATO DIANA and German Defence Innovation Day – SPARK 2026 on 12 Feb after its high-level meeting behind closed doors on 11 Feb in run-up to the Munich Security Conference.  “Building on yesterday’s alignment, today showed a clear demand for credible, operationally relevant quantum pathways. WG QDS exists to convert that demand into coordinated adoption action. Early engagement is crucial to ensure national security and strategic superiority”, says Johannes Verst, CEO at QBN.  Session: Quantum for Defence Innovation and Strategic Superiority  In a tailored one-hour session at the demo stage, QBN WG QDS informed the military and defence sector about quantum capabilities for the defence and security sector, why the time to become quantum-ready is now and how to engage with the quantum industry and the WG QDS. In his Defence Brief, QBN CEO Johannes Verst also covered the current and future economic and societal impact of quantum technologies, civil and military use-cases and how QBN drives the global quantum economy. The WG QDS Co-Chairs Marius Schoendorf and Matija Mataković presented the state of play and realistic commercial roadmaps as well as quantum technologies in the context of NATO and the European Union.    Panel: European and Transatlantic Perspectives on Scaling Quantum for Defence & Resilience  The high-profile panel discussions highlighted a growing focus on strengthening national defence and critical technology capabilities, combined with closer cooperation among partners. The transatlantic relationship remains central, with shared challenges in areas such as cyber security and quantum technologies.  The discussion emphasised the role of defence primes such as Thales, which contribute across the value chain—from research and postquantum cryptography to deployable, mission relevant solutions. Overall, the panel focused on operational relevance, procurement timelines, and concrete next steps, including pilots and capability demonstrators.  The panel, consisting of  Jouni Flyktman, VP Defence & Security, IQM Quantum Computers,  Celia Cattelain, Head of Europe Government & Market Development, PsiQuantum,  Stefania Fontanella, Senior Manager Technology & Innovation, Thales, and  Paulo Andrez, President Emeritus of EBAN, author of Zero Risk Startup,  and moderated by QDS WG Co-Chair Matija Matoković underscored a clear message: real-world applications are approaching faster than many expect. As building skills, capabilities, and procurement pathways takes time, defence and security organisations benefit from engaging early.  While IQM Quantum Computers and PsiQuantum are laying the foundations for utility scale quantum computing and already collaborating with the defence sector on real-world use-cases, early involvement by national security end-users is crucial to drive developments and adoption.  From an investment perspective, the discussion emphasised that quantum has moved beyond hype to a phase where credibility, assessment frameworks, and early defence adoption will be decisive in unlocking private capital.  High-Demand Engagement at the Defence Innovation Fair  The QBN booth at the Defence Innovation Fair was in high demand representing the Global Quantum Industry, the WG QDS activities and our valued QBN members. It served as a neutral, trusted interface between military users, NATO innovation stakeholders, defence primes, SMEs, and investors. Discussions centred on operationally relevant quantum use cases across computing, sensing, and communications, realistic maturity timelines and risk managed , venture capital and structured avenues to collaborate with QBN members and participate in WG QDS activities. This engagement confirmed the need for credible translation between fastmoving quantum advances and defence capability planning.      Thanks to NATO, NATO DIANA and the Palladion Defence Accelerator  QBN’s activities were delivered in partnership with the Palladion Defence Accelerator at the Universität der Bundeswehr München, within the framework of the NATO DIANA Defence & Security Days. This collaboration exemplifies a pragmatic ecosystem model: civil-military bridging, end-user engagement, and a focus on translating early stage technology into operational reality.  About the QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security (WG QDS)  The QBN WG QDS is a closed, invitation only, high-level forum for senior representatives from defence ministries, armed forces, security authorities, defence primes, quantum technology companies, research organisations, and investors for trusted exchange, strategic depth, and policy relevant dialogue on quantum technologies in the context of national security and resilience.  More about the QBN WG QDS: QBN › WG Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security More about the QBN WG QDS inaugural meeting in run-up to the Munich Security Conference: QBN News › QBN Inaugurate High-Level Working Group on Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security in run-up to Munich Security Conference and Aligned with Military and Allied Priorities   Contact us to engage. 

Munich, 11 Feb 2026 — The Quantum Business Network (QBN) convened the inaugural meeting of its Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security in run-up to the Munich Security Conference and the German Defence Innovation Day, marking the formal launch of a closed, highlevel forum. Dedicated to one of the most strategically consequential technology domains of the coming decades this forum supports strategic dialogue on quantum technologies in the context of defence, deterrence, and resilience as well as rapid adoption and deployment.  The kickoff brought together a select, invitationonly group of senior representatives from defence ministries, defence primes, security authorities, quantum industry leaders, research organisations and investors. Participation is intentionally limited to ensure strategic depth, confidentiality, and the ability to address sensitive longterm challenges in a confidential and policyrelevant setting.        International Perspectives on Scaling Quantum for Defence   The panel, featuring Alexandre Vulic (Consul General, French Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs), Daniel Reiche (Head of Quantum Technologies, Cyberagentur), Hans Dieter Tholl (Senior Advisor for Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Diehl Defence), and Rémi De La Vieuville (Head of Quantum HPC, Alice & Bob), highlighted that successful adoption and deployment of quantum technologies in defence and security requires shared strategic understanding, aligned roadmaps, risk reduction, agility and coordinated policy action across borders.               Responsible development and application  In his keynote, Sameer Chauhan (Managing Director, United Nations International Computing Centre, UNICC) underscore the need for open exchange on how quantum technologies are evolving, what they mean for digital trust and resilience, and how cooperation across institutions can help ensure these technologies are developed and applied responsibly. He emphasized, “The time is now!” “The matter is extremely sensitive, and cooperations need to be as global as possible, like QBN is doing.” “Let´s not be blindsided again like we were with AI”    A big thank you to the Working Group Co-Chairs Marius Schoendorf and Matija Mataković as well as our CEO Johannes Verst and QBN team for the excellent organization, moderation and all the valuable insights.  The strong international presence from MoD’s, defence primes and quantum vendors as well as the military, investors and other public institutions from multiple European and international countries, highlights the growing recognition that quantum developments transcend national boundaries while directly affecting sovereignty, resilience, and collective security.              Purpose and Mandate  The QBN Working Group on Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security has been established to provide a platform for strategic dialogue and opportunity creation at the intersection of emerging quantum capabilities and defence and security needs. Its strategic pillars include:  Building Quantum Readiness and Strategic Preparedness  Integrating Innovative SMEs into Defence and Security Capability Development  Accelerating the Secure Adoption of Quantum Technologies in Defence and Military Domains  Supporting Policy Alignment and Strategic Advocacy at  The Working Group is not a technical standards body, but a strategic forum designed to complement existing initiatives by focusing on longterm direction, risk awareness, business opportunities and crosssector alignment.  Why Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security Matter  Quantum technologies, including quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing, are expected to fundamentally alter the defence and security landscape. They carry the potential to redefine secure communications, situational awareness, navigation, intelligence, and resilience against emerging threats.  At the same time, quantum technologies introduce new vulnerabilities, dependencies, and governance challenges. Early strategic engagement is therefore essential to ensure that their development and use-cases align with military and defence requirements, supports interoperability with allies, and ultimately provide strategic superiority.  The establishment of this Working Group reflects a shared understanding that defence and security considerations must be addressed proactively, rather than as an afterthought, as quantum capabilities become commercially available and move intro deployment.  Call to Action  QBN invites interested stakeholders from Allied governments, defence and security institutions, industry, and research organisations to engage with the Working Group’s activities. Organisations with strategic responsibilities, relevant expertise, or a mandate to shape future defence and security capabilities are encouraged to express their interest in contributing to this highlevel dialogue.  Looking Ahead  The kickoff meeting sets the foundation for a sustained programme of work, supporting strategic decision-making and tailored development as well as rapid adoption and deployment. QBN will continue to convene the Working Group as a trusted, highlevel platform, fostering dialogue across borders and sectors while respecting the sensitivity of the domain.    More about QBN Working Group Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security QBN › WG Quantum Technologies for Defence & Security   Media Contact  QBN – Quantum Business Network Mila Korunovska +49 176 8499 6747 m.korunovska@qbn.world  www.qbn.world