Quantum Computing and AI Boom: Inside the High-Stakes Tech Race | Bloomberg Tech: Europe 2/13/2026

Key Concepts

• Quantum Computing: A fundamentally different computing architecture utilizing quantum bits (qubits) to process information in parallel, potentially offering exponential speedups for certain calculations.
• Qubits: Quantum bits, the basic unit of information in quantum computing, leveraging quantum mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement.
• Superposition: The ability of a qubit to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
• Entanglement: A quantum mechanical phenomenon where two or more qubits become linked, and the state of one instantly influences the others.
• Quantum Error Correction: Techniques to mitigate the inherent instability and errors in qubits, crucial for building reliable quantum computers.
• Quantum Supply Chain: The network of companies and resources involved in the development, manufacturing, and deployment of quantum computing technologies.
• Quantum Advantage/Supremacy: The point at which a quantum computer can solve a problem that no classical computer can solve in a reasonable amount of time.
• Full-Stack Quantum Computers: Quantum computers encompassing all layers of the technology, from hardware to software and control systems.

Quantum Computing: A European Perspective – A Detailed Summary

Introduction & The Promise of Quantum Computing

The broadcast focuses on the burgeoning field of quantum computing, highlighting its potential to revolutionize industries ranging from drug discovery and cybersecurity to finance and national defense. It frames quantum computing as the next frontier in high-performance computing, capable of processing data at speeds far exceeding today’s most powerful supercomputers. A key example cited is Alphabet’s processor solving a problem in five minutes that would take the world’s fastest supercomputer 10 septillion years – longer than the age of the universe. The program investigates whether this technology can live up to its promise and potentially supercharge the current Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom.

Classical vs. Quantum Computing: A Technical Overview

The segment explains the fundamental difference between classical and quantum computing. Traditional computers use bits, which represent information as 0 or 1 sequentially. Quantum computers, however, utilize qubits. Qubits leverage quantum mechanics, specifically superposition and entanglement, to handle data in parallel, considering numerous possibilities simultaneously and efficiently narrowing down to the correct answer. This parallel processing capability is the source of quantum computing’s potential speed advantage.

The Global Race & European Position

The program emphasizes the strategic importance of quantum computing, framing it as a race for commercial and military supremacy between the U.S., China, and increasingly, Europe. While the U.S. and China are currently leading in certain aspects, the broadcast argues that Europe has a unique opportunity to establish a strong position, particularly by controlling the quantum supply chain. Europe boasts a significant number of quantum companies, and the focus now is on scaling these businesses.

IQM Quantum Computers & European Strengths

Dr. Emre Kılıç, Co-Founder and CEO of IQM Quantum Computers (Finland), asserts Europe’s strength lies in its control of the quantum supply chain, citing a larger number of quantum startups compared to the U.S. He identifies two key gaps hindering European leadership: the lack of companies scaling to global prominence and insufficient industry engagement, specifically the absence of large-scale investment from tech giants like Google, IBM, and Amazon. He stresses the need for Europe to compete to avoid weakening its global standing and losing influence.

"You only create this position of strength if you actually have something that you control. And I think in this way, controlling the quantum supply chain, Europe is very strong, we have many, many companies in Europe. And now we just need to scale it." – Dr. Emre Kılıç, IQM Quantum Computers.

Dr. Kılıç also highlights the political will within Europe, with many countries and the European Commission announcing strong quantum strategies, but notes that execution is often lacking. He emphasizes that quantum computing is a “sovereign technology” with both beneficial and dual-use applications, requiring European control to avoid dependencies.

The AI Comparison & European Approach

The discussion draws parallels to the AI race, acknowledging concerns that Europe may have fallen behind in hardware and large language models. However, Dr. Kılıç argues Europe’s strength lies in industrial adoption and a potential for a different approach to AI, focusing on streamlined models. He points out that Europe has more quantum computers in data centers than the U.S., suggesting a viable path to leadership. He advocates for a uniquely “European way” of innovation, rather than simply attempting to replicate the U.S. model.

"If industries find out that there’s different ways to use A.I. maybe smaller models, more streamlined models this could be a way to go and similarly true for quantum." – Dr. Emre Kılıç, IQM Quantum Computers.

Commercialization & Industry Engagement

The program highlights the growing industry engagement, citing Novo Nordisk’s investment in quantum computing and a German IT provider’s investment in IQM. Dr. Kılıç emphasizes the need to activate decision-makers within European companies to adopt the technology, while also recognizing the global nature of the business.

Timeline for Commercialization & Error Correction

The discussion centers on the timeline for realizing commercial applications of quantum computing. Experts predict significant progress by the end of the decade, with 2025 being a pivotal year marked by hardware advancements and algorithmic breakthroughs. However, a major hurdle remains: error correction. Current quantum computers are prone to errors, and achieving trillions of error-free operations is crucial for large-scale applications. Riverlane’s Steve Brierley explains that quantum error correction is a complex process that involves real-time error detection and correction, defining the clock cycle of the quantum computer.

Impact on Encryption & Security

The program addresses the potential for quantum computers to break current encryption methods, posing a significant security risk. Steve Brierley stresses the urgency of transitioning to “quantum-safe encryption” schemes, a process already underway within standards bodies and the industry. The timeframe for this threat is estimated to be within the next decade, depending on the sensitivity of the data.

The Future of Quantum Computing & European Strategy

The roundtable discussion emphasizes the importance of scaling qubits, consolidating the industry, and driving commercialization. Nu Quantum’s Carmen Palacios-Berraquero highlights the U.K.’s success in creating global leaders in key areas of the quantum computing puzzle. The panelists agree that government support, particularly funding and talent development, is crucial for Europe to compete. They also stress the need for a global mindset, recognizing that while rooted in Europe, the quantum industry must operate on a global scale.

"We will fall into dependencies again and this weakens our standing not only on the business side when it comes to access to the technology, I think also ultimately on the political level, Europe will lose its seat around the table when the big questions are being discussed." – Dr. Emre Kılıç, IQM Quantum Computers.

Conclusion

The broadcast concludes that while significant challenges remain, quantum computing is entering a new phase of development. Europe has a unique opportunity to establish a leading role, particularly by leveraging its strengths in the quantum supply chain and fostering a uniquely European approach to innovation. However, realizing this potential requires sustained investment, strategic execution, and a commitment to scaling up and commercializing the technology. The program points to December 9, 2024, as a key date – the unveiling of Google’s Willow quantum computing chip – which spurred significant investment in the sector. The next episode will focus on Sweden’s growing role in the tech landscape, dubbed “Silicon Valhalla.”