Quantum Momentum Is Accelerating: Two Tech Tour Alumni Head for the Public Markets
Europe’s quantum technology sector is entering a defining new chapter.
Two companies who are long-term members of the Tech Tour community, IQM Quantum Computers and Pasqal, recently announced major public market milestones, highlighting the growing maturity of Europe’s quantum ecosystem and the increasing appetite for investment in one of the world’s most strategic technologies.
Both IQM and Pasqal are members of the European Innovation Council’s pioneering EIC ScalingUp programme, the predecessor of today’s EIC Scaling Club, implemented by Tech Tour and its partners to help Europe’s most promising deep tech scale-ups become global champions. The two companies’ latest achievements are another strong validation of the calibre of companies emerging from Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
A Milestone for European Quantum
IQM Quantum Computers has become the first European quantum computing company listed on a major U.S. exchange, with its shares now trading on NASDAQ under the ticker IQMX. The transaction valued the company at approximately US$1.9 billion, and follows a year in which IQM has built one of the industry’s largest installed hardware footprints.
Pasqal is close behind. The French quantum leader has announced plans to go public in the second half of 2026, through a business combination valuing the company at approximately US$2.0 billion pre-money. The transaction is expected to fuel one of the best-capitalised quantum companies globally, as it accelerates commercial deployment of its neutral-atom quantum computing platform.
Taken together, these milestones represent a powerful signal that quantum computing is entering a new phase. Investors now back quantum companies with proven technology, commercial customers and the scale to compete globally.
Why Quantum Matters More Than Ever
Quantum has moved beyond scientific ambition to become a strategic imperative.
As geopolitical tensions rise and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, governments and industry are racing to develop quantum capabilities that will underpin the next generation of secure communications, resilient critical infrastructure and defence systems. At the same time, the arrival of quantum computing is accelerating the global transition to post-quantum cybersecurity, while opening new possibilities in advanced manufacturing, AI, logistics and life sciences. Europe has identified quantum as a critical technology for its economic security, technological sovereignty and defence readiness, and investment is accelerating accordingly.
Building the Next Generation of Quantum Leaders
At Tech Tour, we are proud to have supported pioneering companies such as IQM and Pasqal as part of Europe’s innovation ecosystem, connecting exceptional entrepreneurs with leading investors, corporates and strategic partners.
Attention is already turning to the next wave of breakthrough companies developing technologies across computing, communications, sensing and defence applications.
Tech Tour Quantum & Defence 2026: Where Quantum Innovation Meets Investment
As quantum investment gathers pace, Tech Tour Quantum & Defence 2026 will bring together the people shaping Europe’s next wave of quantum innovation. Taking place in Berlin on 8–9 October, the highly curated programme will convene 150+ investors, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers to accelerate investment, strategic partnerships and collaboration across the European quantum ecosystem.
The event will showcase 40 selected start-ups and 15 super scale-ups pitching to 60+ leading investors across two dedicated tracks: Quantum Technologies, covering quantum computing, communications and sensing, and Quantum in Defence & Security, focused on applications for defence, cybersecurity, secure communications and critical infrastructure. Through curated pitching sessions, one-to-one investor meetings and high-level discussions, participants will gain direct access to the most active investors, corporates and decision-makers driving Europe’s quantum future.
The success stories of IQM and Pasqal demonstrate what’s possible when world-class European innovation is matched with the right investment ecosystem.
If your company is developing the next generation of quantum technologies, or applying quantum to defence, cybersecurity or critical infrastructure, we invite you to join Tech Tour Quantum & Defence 2026.
Apply to pitch by 31 August and help shape the future of Europe’s quantum industry.
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