Quantum technologies
Quantum technologies hold the potential to generate profound economic, societal, scientific and security effects across a broad range of industries and applications. Despite its early stage of technological maturity and limited commercialisation to date, understanding the structure and dynamics of this ecosystem is critical to anticipating their implications for policy and the future evolution of quantum technologies.
Dive in
Mapping the global quantum ecosystem
This EPO-OECD study looks at patenting, firm activities, skills, trade, supply chains and government initiatives in the quantum ecosystem.
Tools on quantum technologies
Explore quantum patent applications through the technology platform and discover Europe’s deep-tech ecosystem with the Deep Tech Finder (DTF) tool.
Quantum technologies at a glance
20% compound annual growth rate
Quantum International Patent Families (IPFs) have expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 20% since 2014, far outpacing the 2% growth observed across all technologies.
4 622 firms
comprise the quantum industrial ecosystem, including 830 core quantum-focused companies and numerous non-core organisations - large firms, universities and PROs - moving into the quantum space.
Over 17 EUR billion
was the total investment recorded in quantum technologies between 2014 and 2024.
Q&A – insights from the EPO
- Which areas in quantum are the most active in terms of innovation?
Quantum communication generated the largest number of yearly IPFs until 2022, when it was overtaken by quantum computing. Out of all fields, quantum computing has shown the most dynamic growth over the last decade, expanding nearly twentyfold since 2014, compared with a threefold increase in communication and a 50% rise in sensing.
- How does growth in quantum innovation compare with that in other technologies?
The ecosystem is expanding rapidly, which is reflected in rising firm entry, increasing investment and strong growth in innovation activity across multiple competing alternative technologies within each quantum domain. The number of IPFs in quantum increased sevenfold between 2005 and 2024, with most of this growth concentrated in the last decade. Since 2014, quantum IPFs have expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 20%, far outpacing the 2% growth observed across all technologies.
- Which regions are mostly responsible for this growth? Which European countries are relevant in quantum innovation?
The United States stands out as the leading player across all quantum domains in terms of firm entries, innovation output and total investment mobilised. Other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom with their strong revealed technological advantage (RTA) and dense cluster of core firms, but also China, Germany, Japan and Korea (which stands out particularly for quantum communication), with their broad industrial base and rich patent portfolios, also play major and complementary roles in the emerging global quantum landscape.
- Who are the main actors in quantum innovation?
Companies account for the vast majority of IPFs, and their dominance becomes even more pronounced after 2015, reflecting the major role of industry in advancing quantum technologies towards commercialisation. Public research organisations (PROs) contribute a smaller but consistent share of IPFs, underlining the importance of publicly funded research in laying the foundations of the field. Filings by individuals remain lower and decline steadily throughout the period.
- Who are the top applicants in this area?
Top applicants include large technology corporations such as IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Google and Huawei, which have built substantial portfolios in quantum computing and communications. Seiko and Honeywell hold the largest portfolios in the sensing area.
Publications
Dive into in-depth technology publications offering insightful analysis on quantum-related technologies.
This EPO-OECD study looks at patenting, firm activities, skills, trade, supply chains and government initiatives in the quantum ecosystem.
This report focuses on patenting trends in the so-called second-generation quantum simulation technologies, which build on the ability to control both the quantum-physical properties of individual or small groups of particles (such as atoms and photons) and how they behave.
This report provides an overview of quantum computing at large and of sub-sectors such as physical realisations of quantum computing, quantum error correction and mitigation, and technologies related to quantum computing and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Innovation case studies
Explore a series of innovation case studies showcasing how companies have successfully leveraged intellectual property in the field of quantum technologies. These real-world examples highlight the role of IP in driving growth, securing funding and fostering innovation.
The company builds neutral-atom quantum processors rooted in Nobel Prize-winning research, turning advanced quantum science into commercial high-performance quantum processing units for handling complex computational challenges.
This Paris-based company develops quantum processors using carbon nanotubes, transforming cutting-edge research from École Normale Supérieure (ÉNS) into next-generation quantum computing solutions.
Tools
Find startups and investors in quantum technology fields
The Deep Tech Finder is your gateway to exploring Europe's innovation landscape. Designed for investors, researchers, startups and universities, this free tool connects you with key players in cutting-edge technologies.
Technology platform on quantum
Find thousands of patent applications in quantum technologies classified by subfield. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to explore the latest inventions by area.
Podcasts
ICT, AI and quantum: can such cutting-edge tech be patented?
Can software be patented? Discover how computer-implemented inventions - including AI and quantum computing - can qualify for patent protection.
From connectivity to convergence: AI, quantum and IP
As more technologies begin to converge and connect - heavily impacting fields such as healthcare and telecommunication – our experts see a growing need for greater awareness among inventors of the role played by intellectual property in leveraging the potential of these inventions.
Event recordings
Past events organised by the Observatory
Explore the events we hosted and watch video recordings
