QUICKBITS

Now is the right time to invest in quantum computing

The burgeoning quantum computing industry in Europe sees small startups attracting top talent, fuelled by government funding, intense competition for skilled professionals, and the potential for breakthroughs from unexpected sources.

Katy Alexander

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Katy is the Marketing Director at OQC. Prior to joining OQC, she developed and scaled marketing and analytics functions for startups and large listed companies. Passionate about using data to guide strategic decisions, Katy’s unique blend of analytical rigour and creative expression enables her to tackle diverse challenges effectively. In her spare time, she champions diversity in STEM through the creation of games and education resources for primary schools.

The trend of experienced academics joining startups signals that smaller quantum companies are garnering serious attention, challenging established players like IBM, Google, and Microsoft. The competition for talent is fierce, driven by substantial funding injections from European governments, with France and Germany committing billions to quantum projects. The motivation behind this financial backing is not just technological advancement but also a strategic effort to prevent a brain drain of leading academics from the region.

Elite Team Mindset

Startups like OQC are utilising funding to expand their teams, highlighting that the industry’s current limitation is not just financial but also the availability of skilled professionals.

SIFTED QUANTUM MAP

“There is a trend for academics going to startups now, and it is a good sign when the seasoned professionals start joining.”

John Martinis

Moving out of the lab

Despite major advancements from well-known teams, breakthroughs are still occurring in labs worldwide, emphasising that small companies can compete if they achieve significant milestones. This need to ensure the accessiblity of quantum is a core driver for OQC, our mission is to make quantum accessible and ensure access to customers in a live and commercial environment.