Scaling up quantum innovation

Quantum is no longer science fiction, it’s the foundation of the next technological revolution. From communication and computing to sensing, quantum breakthroughs promise to reshape industries, redefine security, and power the next wave of digital transformation. As highlighted in recent policy reports, quantum technologies have the potential to boost industrial competitiveness and strengthen technological sovereignty across regions, opening the door for countries worldwide to lead in tomorrow’s digital world.

But unlocking this potential will not be easy. Around the world, leading universities and startups are driving quantum innovation forward, yet scaling up remains a hurdle. Access to late-stage financing varies widely across regions, with the United States benefiting from deep capital markets and big tech corporations already well positioned to bring quantum to market without facing the same growth barriers. For other regions such as Europe and Canada, the path to success lies in empowering their startups to scale, innovate, and compete globally.

Against this backdrop, the event will explore the evolution of quantum technologies towards scaling up, unveiling a joint EPO-OECD landmark study that charts both technological progress and broader ecosystem trends, including on firms, investments, skills, trade and policies. It will also bring together policymakers, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss how different regions can bridge the gap between lab and market, secure the right funding, and turn its scientific strengths into commercial impact. Participants can expect lively debate, fresh insights, and a roadmap for how global innovation ecosystems can seize the quantum opportunity.

Join us for a timely and insightful conclusion to the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology!

Register now for an event jointly organised by the EPO and the OECD, taking place in Paris on 17 December. Participation on site will be limited but online attendance is open to everyone. You can indicate your preferred mode of participation directly in the registration form.

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

14.00 - 14.15 hrs	Welcome remarks António Campinos, President, European Patent Office Mathias Cormann, Secretary General, OECD
14.15 - 14.35 hrs	Presentation of key insights from the joint study Authors of the new EPO-OECD study offer an overview of patenting trends in quantum innovation. They also present the new quantum technologies platform and the Deep Tech Finder, with its new quantum filter. Further highlights include a landscaping of quantum companies, a summary of quantum startup investment trends and an overview of international quantum policy.
14.35 - 15.30 hrs	Scaling quantum innovation: challenges and opportunities The roundtable will highlight strengths and challenges in scaling up quantum innovation. It will bring attention to vibrant ecosystems around the world, where universities are producing cutting-edge research and startups striving to bring these advances to market. At the same time, it will address the difficulties of translating science into industry at scale, including disparities in access to late-stage private equity and venture capital across regions. The discussion will also underscore how major technology corporations, particularly in the US, are already well positioned in quantum and can deploy innovations directly to the market without the need to scale up. By contrast, other regions such as Europe and Canada will see their success in quantum depend on creating the right conditions for startups to grow and compete globally. This important topic will be discussed by panellists representing policymakers, startups and investors.
15.30 hrs	Closing remarks