Building Today the Quantum Future of Europe: Insights from the Franco-German Dialogue of Quantum Technology Players
On 23 September 2025, the European Champions Alliance (ECA) participated in the Franco-German Dialogue of Quantum Technology Players, an event that gathered over 60 experts, decision-makers, and innovators in Paris and Massy.
ECA was represented by Andrea Vaughan, reinforcing our commitment to building bridges between European ecosystems, industrial champions, and emerging technologies.
This dialogue was organised by QUTAC, Quandela, Le Lab Quantique, CEA and Fraunhofer, with the support of both the French and German embassies. Its ambition was clear:
to identify the actions needed today to build Europe’s quantum future with and for industry.
A unique moment of Franco-German cooperation
2025 being the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, this event emerged as a cornerstone of Europe’s strategic agenda. It builds on previous discussions in Berlin and aligns with the commitment made by France and Germany at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in August 2025 to scale up European quantum ecosystems.
The participants represented the full spectrum of quantum innovation:
start-ups such as Quandela, Pasqal, Alice & Bob, corporates like Siemens, BMW, Bosch, EDF, Deutsche Telekom, high-performance computing centers (DLR, GENCI, Jülich), public authorities, and ecosystem builders including the European Champions Alliance.
Key Priorities Identified
The report highlights ten strategic priorities essential for Europe’s competitiveness:
1. Industry-driven use cases
Quantum adoption starts when corporates can test real applications — in finance, pharma, logistics, materials, and more. Europe must build a concrete pipeline of end-to-end use cases.
2. Success stories
Europe needs to showcase tangible wins to inspire trust and accelerate adoption.
3. Benchmarking & expectations management
Neutral, transparent protocols are essential to avoid hype and support long-term credibility.
4. Building European champions
To stay competitive globally, Europe must scale a handful of strong players rather than fragmenting resources.
5. Trust & intellectual property
Harmonised IP frameworks and better coordination are needed to encourage investment.
6. Aligned European strategies
Joint Franco-German roadmaps and shared funding approaches are critical.
7. Funding mechanisms
Blended finance, cross-border funding and industrial investments will accelerate adoption.
8. Talent development
Joint Franco-German training pathways and talent platforms are essential.
9. Ecosystem connections
More exchanges, events, speed-dating formats, and cross-invitations are required to build a “Franco-German reflex”.
10. Governance framework
A continuous dialogue with clear responsibilities and strong political support must be secured.
A Vision Shared with the ECA Mission
For ECA, this event reinforces what we advocate every day:
-
Europe must think and act as a unified innovation ecosystem
-
Collaboration between start-ups, corporates, policymakers and research is essential
-
Strategic technologies including quantum require a joint European effort, not isolated initiatives
-
Strong European champions emerge when we build bridges, not silos
Andrea Vaughan’s participation reflects ECA’s commitment to supporting scalable European innovation, fostering connections across borders and sectors, and contributing to strategic discussions that shape Europe’s technological sovereignty.
What Comes Next?
Over the next 24 months, participants will implement practical actions from use-case development to shared platforms, joint talent programs, and new benchmarking frameworks. The momentum created in Paris and Massy will continue, with new initiatives planned at the European level.
ECA will remain actively involved, supporting cross-border cooperation and amplifying the voice of Europe’s industrial and technological champions.
Conclusion
As quantum technologies move from prototype to industrial relevance, Europe has a unique window of opportunity. Events like this dialogue demonstrate that Franco-German cooperation, combined with a strong European mindset, can create the conditions for a sovereign, competitive and innovation-driven quantum future.
ECA looks forward to continuing this mission and to working with all actors shaping Europe’s next technological chapter.
