Spain aims to be at the forefront of one of the most challenging—and strategic—areas of quantum computing: connecting quantum processors through secure and scalable networks so they can operate together as a more powerful computing system. This ambition has materialized with the government’s involvement in Nu Quantum’s Series A funding round, a UK-based company specializing in quantum networks that will establish a subsidiary in Spain as part of the agreement.
The operation, coordinated through the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function and the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), involves an investment of €9.75 million within a total round of €51 million (around $60 million). The announcement was made publicly in Madrid during the fourth edition of the S4i | Science for Industry forum, with participation from Minister Óscar López Águeda and Nu Quantum’s CEO, Spanish quantum physicist Carmen Palacios-Berraquero.
The Quantum Bottleneck: Scaling Without Losing Coherence
In public discourse, quantum computing is often associated with promises of “almost magical” speed. However, within the industry, there is increasing focus on engineering, practical limits, and a specific challenge: scalability. Building a single, massive quantum computer—more qubits, greater stability, fewer errors—is complex and costly. Therefore, one promising approach is distributed quantum computing: interconnecting multiple quantum processors to increase capacity, much like classical distributed systems and computer networks did in the past.
This is where Nu Quantum positions itself. The company is developing a quantum network architecture capable of connecting multiple quantum computers in real time, with the goal of increasing their collective processing power. Theoretically, this approach would enable the development of larger systems without relying on a monolithic “super-quantum computer,” and open the door to commercial applications where size and reliability are both crucial.
A Subsidiary to Industrialize Photonic Technology and Create a Quantum Network Center
The agreement with Spain is not limited to a financial stake. As part of the project, Nu Quantum will open a subsidiary in the country that aims to become a hub for quantum networks and photonic infrastructure. The focus of this new facility will be on two specific areas:
- The industrialization of its Quantum Networking Unit (QNU), a component designed to enable connection between quantum processors.
- The development of photonic integrated circuits (PIC), essential for creating ultrafast, low-loss switching and detection modules needed to scale quantum networks to a commercial level.
According to Palacios-Berraquero, the company’s core thesis is that “quantum networks and integrated photonics” are essential to overcome one of the industry’s biggest hurdles: transforming prototypes into interoperable, market-ready infrastructure. The CEO also emphasized the personal significance of the decision: as a Spaniard, she considers it “particularly meaningful” to contribute to a national commitment to quantum infrastructure based on PIC and the QNU.
Institutionally, SETT frames this operation within a public-private collaboration model aimed at accelerating the country’s technological transformation. The official goal is to launch a quantum network center in Spain and integrate it within the national quantum and photonics ecosystem, aligning with the National Quantum Technologies Strategy.
Record-Breaking Funding Round and International Support
Founded in 2018 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, Nu Quantum has built its technological narrative around Entanglement Fabric™, an approach for interconnecting quantum processors and creating large-scale distributed quantum networks. The Series A round closed in December 2025 is the largest ever raised by a company focused solely on quantum networks and the highest Series A in the UK quantum sector to date.
The list of investors includes internationally renowned names such as National Grid Partners, Gresham House Ventures, Morpheus Ventures, Amadeus Capital Partners, IQ Capital, Ahren Capital, Sumitomo (Presidio Ventures), Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, NSSIF, East Innovate, and SETT itself. This move places Spain within a global capital landscape that, in the quantum field, is often concentrated in hubs like the UK and the US.
Skilled Employment and European Tech Sovereignty
The government states that this initiative will have a direct impact on employment, creating over 30 highly qualified jobs, and will act as a magnet for international talent and investment. The project also aligns with the objectives of the PERTE Chip, focused on strengthening design and manufacturing capabilities in microelectronics and semiconductors, as well as the Spanish strategy for quantum technologies.
Beyond the numbers, the deeper message is geostrategic: quantum infrastructure is becoming a component of technological sovereignty, especially in sensitive areas like secure communications and industrial competitiveness. Óscar López Águeda highlighted that there will come a time when quantum becomes a part of everyday conversation, and Spain is “taking proactive steps” by deploying infrastructure for its development and scalability.
In an ecosystem where Europe aims to reduce dependence on critical external technologies, investing in quantum networks and integrated photonics is not just about funding research; it’s about building industrial capacity, supply chains, and intellectual property early on. That nuance explains why, in this story, the most repeated word is not “computer,” but “infrastructure.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distributed quantum computing and why does it matter?
It’s an approach that aims to connect multiple quantum processors via quantum networks so they can work as a unified system. It can help scale computing power without relying on a single, massive, difficult-to-stabilize machine.
What are photonic integrated circuits (PIC) in quantum networks?
These are chips that incorporate optical components to steer, switch, or measure light signals at high speed and low loss. In quantum networks, they are considered key for building more compact, efficient, and scalable interconnection modules.
What role does SETT play in technological investments in Spain?
SETT is a public entity promoting investments in advanced technologies linked to digital transformation, telecommunications, microelectronics, semiconductors, and deep tech. Its model relies on public-private collaboration to accelerate strategic projects.
How does this investment relate to the PERTE Chip?
This operation is aligned with the PERTE Chip, aimed at strengthening industrial and technological capabilities in semiconductors and microelectronics. Integrated photonics is part of that strategy to reinforce critical technologies.
via: Nu Quantum