A Quantum Computing Advisory Board (Q-CAB) launched on April 28, 2026, will directly inform Europe’s quantum computing roadmaps as the field shifts from noisy intermediate-scale quantum technology toward more reliable, fault-tolerant systems in the coming years. The board’s formation coincides with the suspension of three open calls under the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 funding program. Professor Peter Zoller will chair the Q-CAB, bringing expertise to evaluating technological approaches and guiding strategic decisions. “The Quantum Computing Advisory Board brings together distinguished scientific leaders whose independent, evidence-based advice will be essential to our work,” says Tommaso Calarco, coordinator of the board, emphasizing the critical role of impartial assessment in focusing European resources.
European Commission Leverages Q-CAB for Quantum Strategy
This initiative, formally launched on April 28, 2026, is designed to provide independent, evidence-based advice on investments, procurements, and standards across Europe, directly informing the 2026 QES quantum-computing roadmaps. “As quantum computing advances from the NISQ era toward fault-tolerant systems, their expertise will help the European Commission to assess progress in the field, refine strategic priorities, and focus resources where they can make the greatest difference,” Calarco continued, highlighting the board’s commitment to maximizing the impact of European quantum initiatives.
NISQ Era Transition to Fault-Tolerant Systems Targeted by 2026
Quantum computing is currently shifting away from the limitations of Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) technology and toward the stability of fault-tolerant architectures within the next two to three years. This transition is the central focus of the newly launched Quantum Computing Advisory Board (Q-CAB), established to guide strategic decisions across Europe and align with the 2026 QES quantum-computing roadmaps. Q-CAB will evaluate technological approaches and provide evidence-based recommendations for investments, procurements, and standardization efforts, impacting the European Commission, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, and Chips Joint Undertaking. The board’s expertise will refine strategic priorities and direct resources toward areas promising the greatest impact as quantum computing matures, demanding careful assessment of progress and a focused allocation of resources to achieve functional, scalable quantum systems. The Q-CAB’s input will be instrumental in this complex transition and ensuring Europe remains competitive in the rapidly evolving quantum technology space.
“The Quantum Computing Assessment Board brings together distinguished scientific leaders whose independent, evidence-based advice will be essential to our work”, says Tommaso Calarco, “As quantum computing advances from the NISQ era towards fault-tolerant systems, their expertise will help the European Commission to assess progress in the field, refine strategic priorities, and focus resources where they can make the greatest difference.
Tommaso Calarco
