Quantum computing promises to reshape entire industries, but the immense classical computing power needed to manage quantum systems, the cryogenics required to keep qubits — the quantum equivalent of bits in classical computing — stable and the advanced error correction techniques that make useful quantum computation possible rely on a complex network of specialised technologies and suppliers.
Europe doesn’t have that yet. And if the region doesn’t build a strong, self-sufficient supply chain to support this stack, it risks long-term dependence on foreign suppliers, which would threaten both its technological autonomy and national security.
Chips with everything
Much of the attention today is focused on chips, and with good reason. Recent announcements from Amazon (cat qubits on ‘Ocelot’), PsiQuantum (photonic chipset ‘Omega’) and Microsoft (Majorana 1) show just how fast the field is moving and how diverse the approaches are. There is no clear frontrunner yet, and that’s a good thing. This diversity is fuelling innovation.
But all qubits, regardless of type, rely on a complex set of supporting technologies. Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), often called “quantum chips”, are only one part of the picture.
To move from the hundreds of operations we can perform today to the trillions needed for practical quantum computing, we’ll need much more. That includes new classes of classical chips designed for quantum, and the infrastructure to develop and manufacture them.
This is where Europe should focus next.
Where is Europe now?
Despite concerns about falling behind, Europe is well-positioned. Significant R&D investment has fostered a vibrant ecosystem. Through initiatives like the EuroHPC, quantum systems are being deployed in Poland, Germany, France and the Czech Republic.
The Chips Joint Undertaking is also reviewing proposals to build new pilot lines for various qubit types.
What’s missing is a coordinated strategy to develop the broader quantum stack, particularly the classical chips and systems that power, control and stabilise quantum computers.
Meanwhile, US companies are already working with global foundries to manufacture these components at scale. Google and Rigetti, for example, have partnered with Socionext and Quanta Computer to outsource the development of control system chips. Europe has yet to make a similar move.
Where Europe must focus its quantum efforts
Europe has the talent and the scientific depth. What it needs now is strategic investment in four key areas that complement ongoing efforts in quantum chip development:
Quantum error correction (QEC) chips
Qubits are fragile and prone to errors. Quantum error correction (QEC) is the only known path to scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
But QEC isn’t just a clever algorithm. It requires real-time data processing — about a terabyte of data per second — to detect and correct errors. That’s equivalent to Netflix’s global streaming traffic running constantly inside your quantum computer.
Europe must accelerate the development of QEC chips: dedicated hardware with fast, efficient decoders capable of correcting trillions of errors on the fly. These chips are already in development, but scaling them will require close collaboration between quantum researchers, classical chip designers and advanced foundries.
Control system chips (RFSoCs)
Qubits require precise control signals, usually delivered via lasers or microwaves. This is where Radio Frequency Systems on a Chip (RFSoCs) come in. These chips must be low-noise, highly precise and able to function at cryogenic temperatures.
Europe has world-class research in this area, but development remains underfunded. A focused investment strategy could make Europe a leader in this critical part of the stack and reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Cryogenics and quantum-classical integration
Quantum chips operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius). Integrating them with classical systems requires highly specialised infrastructure and packaging techniques.
Europe has strong expertise in photonics, cryogenics and advanced materials, but scaling quantum technologies requires targeted investment. Shared facilities such as open-access quantum testbeds or cleanroom environments can reduce entry barriers. A useful reference is the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US, which combines high-performance computing with advanced quantum research infrastructure. Strengthening deeptech manufacturing is also essential, particularly in quantum-grade chip fabrication. Finally, building cross-disciplinary engineering teams that bring together quantum physics, classical computing and systems integration is key to moving innovations from lab to market.
Foundry access and capacity to scale
None of this can be built without access to the proper manufacturing infrastructure. Europe must be able to produce small-batch, high-complexity chips designed for quantum systems.
Recent US-foundry collaborations highlight how dependent quantum computing is on mature semiconductor technology. Europe and the UK are more than aware of the need to boost their semiconductor capabilities, but semiconductors are just part of the picture. What’s missing is a strategy tailored to quantum that connects broader chip investments to the specific needs of the quantum hardware stack.
That means building dedicated pilot lines or securing access to existing fabs capable of supporting quantum.
Beyond the qubit
Europe has the science, the talent and a head start. But quantum leadership won’t be decided by who builds the best qubit, but by who builds the whole system.
This is about more than advancing science. It’s about ensuring Europe remains competitive in one of this century’s most transformative technologies.
The quantum race is still open. However, without the infrastructure to scale, Europe risks being left behind.
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