The Government of Spain has taken another step forward in its strategy to promote quantum technologies with an investment of 9.75 million euros in Nu Quantum, a UK-based company specializing in distributed quantum computing. The operation, channeled through the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), aims to facilitate the opening of a future subsidiary in Spain and the creation of a reference center for quantum network infrastructure, a field considered key for scaling quantum computing and enabling commercial applications.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, during his speech at the Science for Industry forum held in Madrid. Also participating was the company’s CEO, Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, who framed the Spanish public capital injection within a larger funding round, in which the company reportedly raised a total of 60 million dollars.
Connecting quantum computers: the “bottleneck” of scalability
The initiative is based on a widely shared idea among sector researchers and companies: building a powerful quantum computer depends not only on increasing qubits but also on resolving how to scale systems and connect them securely and efficiently. This is where quantum networks and distributed quantum computing come into play, aiming to link multiple quantum processors in real-time to operate as a combined system, thus increasing overall computational capacity.
According to the approach presented by the government, such infrastructure would be essential for quantum technology to overcome one of its current major limitations: transitioning from prototypes and demonstrations to industrial environments with guaranteed performance, security, and scalability. Practically speaking, the goal is for Spain to participate in a particularly strategic layer: not only “doing quantum,” but building the network that allows quantum to grow and connect.
A reference center and over 30 skilled jobs
The government believes that setting up the subsidiary and its related developments could generate an impact on employment of more than 30 high-skilled positions, at a time when the competition for quantum and photonic talent is global. The Ministry presents this investment as a lever to attract foreign investment, attract scientific and technical profiles, and consolidate an industrial ecosystem connected to emerging technologies.
In his speech, the minister also emphasized elements he considers competitive advantages: regulatory certainty, public-private collaboration, and a framework to attract international companies looking to develop advanced technology in Spain.
From Cambridge to Spain: Nu Quantum’s profile
Nu Quantum was founded in 2018 originating from the University of Cambridge, specifically the Cavendish Laboratory, one of the historic research centers in physics. The government highlights it as the first company specializing in quantum networks, with a positioning aimed at making distributed quantum technology viable at an industrial level.
The company is led by Palacios-Berraquero, a Spanish physicist with a PhD from Cambridge, who, according to the press release, has been involved in initiatives within the UK quantum sector. The political and industrial message is clear: attracting a cutting-edge startup to develop capabilities in Spain, connecting international talent with the national technological landscape.
A long-term vision: from promise to infrastructure
Beyond the headlines, the investment reflects a strategic outlook: Spain is betting on the path of quantum networks — a domain where the return is not solely measured in patents or publications, but in building enabling infrastructure. If quantum computing reaches commercial applications, secure and scalable interconnection will be a requirement; and if Spain positions itself as a key node in this layer, it could capture a valuable part of European industrial development.
The challenge, as with all emerging technologies, will be transforming initial momentum into sustained progress: projects, suppliers, talent, smart public procurement, and a framework that turns investments into lasting industrial capacity. With this operation, the government aims to send a signal: the quantum race is not a spectator sport, it’s built from the infrastructure up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distributed quantum computing and why is it important?
It is an approach that seeks to connect multiple quantum processors to work in a coordinated manner, increasing the total system capacity and facilitating the scalability needed for industrial applications.
What does a quantum network offer compared to a traditional network?
The key idea is enabling secure and scalable interconnections between quantum systems, a crucial step for the technology to operate reliably in real-world scenarios.
What are photonic integrated circuits (PIC) and why are they mentioned in the project?
They are chips integrating optical/photonics functions. In quantum networks, they are considered essential for creating fast switching and detection modules with low losses, easier to industrialize.
What impact could this investment have on employment and talent in Spain?
According to the announcement, the future subsidiary aims to generate more than 30 high-skilled jobs and strengthen Spain’s attractiveness as a destination for tech investment and specialized profiles.
source: Digital.gob.es