The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) convened the Quantum Business Community (QBC) Summit at CERN in November 2025, bringing together over 100 participants for nine panels and keynote speeches. CERN, an associate member of QuIC, hosted the event to guide Europe’s strategic steps in the emerging field of quantum technology, leveraging its Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) as a platform for innovation and co-development. This summit addressed the growing need to accelerate Europe’s transition into the quantum era by bridging the gap between ongoing research and the delivery of marketable products for widespread adoption.
CERN’s Role in Advancing Quantum Technology
CERN is actively contributing to the advancement of quantum technology through its Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI). This initiative serves as a platform for innovation, fostering co-development opportunities to advance quantum technologies both within CERN and beyond. Specifically, the QTI seeks potential applications for quantum computers and makes CERN’s technology and expertise available to quantum technology companies. This positions CERN not only as a testbed, but also as a potential end user of these emerging technologies.
CERN hosted the Quantum Business Community (QBC) Summit in November 2025, bringing together over 100 participants from the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC). Nine panels and keynote speeches guided strategic steps in the quantum field, recognizing quantum technology as a “top priority for the European Commission.” Experts highlighted the need to accelerate Europe’s move into the quantum era through research, development, and marketable products, with potential applications spanning climate modeling, cybersecurity and healthcare.
Beyond internal initiatives, CERN supports deep-tech quantum startups through CERN Venture Connect. This program provides access to CERN technologies and a global network, potentially sparking new companies and creating a consumer base for their quantum innovations. Furthermore, Tomek Schulz of Kiutra noted CERN’s “crucial role in the creation and education of talent” in quantum technology. This commitment extends to fostering collaboration between research, industry, and policy for responsible development and societal value.
Quantum Technology Development and Applications
The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) gathered at CERN in November 2025 for the Quantum Business Community (QBC) Summit, bringing together over 100 participants. Nine panels and keynote speeches focused on guiding Europe’s strategic steps in quantum technology. CERN’s role is evolving from a learning ground for new technologies to a contributor in the transition from lab research to real-world applications, leveraging its Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) to foster co-development opportunities.
CERN is actively supporting the growth of quantum startups through CERN Venture Connect, providing access to its technologies and investor networks. This aims to not only spark innovation but also position CERN as a potential consumer of these developing quantum technologies. Experts emphasized the need to bridge the gap between research and application, identifying end-users early to drive targeted development, with CERN cited as both a valuable testbed and future end-user.
Quantum technology is seen as a potential driver of solutions in areas like climate modelling, cybersecurity, materials development, communication, and healthcare. Advances are happening rapidly, illustrated by initiatives like the Quantum Internet Alliance, EuroQCI, and the creation of Geneva’s six-node quantum network. Progress relies on strong collaboration between research, industry, and policy to ensure responsible development and deliver societal value, as noted during the International Year of Quantum.
“Today, through its Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) , CERN offers a platform for innovation,”
Sofia Vallecorsa, QTI coordinator
European Quantum Initiatives and Collaboration
European quantum collaboration was a key focus at the Quantum Business Community (QBC) Summit hosted by CERN in November 2025. Bringing together over 100 participants, the event – organized by the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) – aimed to guide Europe’s strategic steps in quantum technology. Discussions highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, with CERN positioned as both a testbed and potential end user for emerging technologies.
Several key European initiatives were discussed, demonstrating rapid advancements in the field. These include the Quantum Internet Alliance and EuroQCI, alongside local projects like Geneva’s six-node quantum network. Experts emphasized that progress depends on strong collaboration across research, industry, and policy, with each playing a crucial role in responsible development and delivering value.
CERN’s Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI) actively supports this collaboration by offering a platform for innovation and co-development opportunities. Through programs like CERN Venture Connect, it fosters strong quantum startups by providing access to technologies and investor networks, potentially becoming a consumer of their advancements. Furthermore, CERN’s role in educating talent is seen as crucial for the future of quantum technology.
