Europe’s race to build industrial-scale quantum computers is accelerating. A new BCG & UnternehmerTUM Hightech Report positions quantum computing as a cornerstone of future competitiveness—and highlights planqc as one of the companies shaping Europe’s path toward scalable, sovereign quantum technology.
- Quantum computing identified as a strategic growth technology with USD 450–850 billion global value potential by 2040
- planqc positioned in the top group for neutral-atom quantum computing and named as a leading quantum technology company
- Neutral-atom quantum computing highlighted as one of the most promising routes toward scalable quantum processors
The new hightech report “Wachstumspfade für Deutschland – Roadmap zur wettbewerbsfähigen Hightech-Nation” by Boston Consulting Group and UnternehmerTUM positions quantum computing as one of six priority technologies that will determine Germany’s and Europe’s future competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and industrial value creation. Quantum computing alone is expected to unlock USD 450–850 billion in global economic value by 2040, underlining its strategic relevance far beyond academic research.
At the same time, the report highlights a growing urgency for Europe to close the gap to leading ecosystems in the United States and China across strategic hightech industries. Structural indicators illustrate this challenge: in 2024, Germany registered just over 130,000 new patents, compared to around 500,000 in the U.S. and 1.8 million in China. The scaling gap is even more pronounced: the U.S. hosts around 700 active unicorns, China about 370, while Germany counts roughly 30. Venture capital investment reflects a similar pattern, with approximately USD 180 billion invested in the U.S., USD 40 billion in China, and only USD 8 billion in Germany in 2024.
From promising research to global quantum champions
Against this backdrop, the report argues that future global champions in quantum will not emerge from isolated laboratory breakthroughs, but from scalable, industrial-grade quantum systems embedded in strong ecosystems, with standardized architectures, reliable components, and integrated software stacks. It therefore calls for a focused development of a small number of globally scalable quantum computing platforms, combined with milestone-based funding, testbeds, pilot lines, and early anchor customers.
Within this strategic framework, planqc is highlighted as an internationally competitive player in neutral-atom quantum computing and explicitly cited as an example of how European start-ups can benefit from strong local ecosystems around leading research institutions, suppliers, and infrastructure. The report positions planqc’s activities as part of the international top group of neutral-atom development, contributing to Europe’s visibility at the technological frontier.
The report further identifies neutral-atom quantum computing as one of the most promising hardware approaches toward scalable quantum processors, alongside superconducting qubits and trapped ions. In particular, it emphasizes Europe’s strong position in enabler technologies—such as photonics, laser systems, cryogenics, precision mechanics, and control electronics—as the foundation for building a sovereign, industrial quantum industry.
By developing neutral-atom quantum computers designed for scalability and industrial integration, planqc exemplifies the type of company the report sees as essential for translating Europe’s scientific excellence into globally competitive quantum computing platforms—and for ensuring that Germany and Europe capture a meaningful share of the enormous value creation potential of quantum technologies.
About the report
Wachstumspfade für Deutschland – Roadmap zur wettbewerbsfähigen Hightech-Nation (February 2026) is a joint study by Boston Consulting Group and UnternehmerTUM/TUM Venture Labs. It analyzes six key technologies—artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, microelectronics, biotechnology, fusion & climate-neutral energy, and climate-neutral mobility—and outlines concrete pathways for Germany and Europe to become a globally competitive hightech nation. Full report: https://wachstumspfade.bcg.com/home/
