Spain, Unknown – January 13, 2026 — Barcelona, 13 January 2026 – In a bold stride towards securing Europe’s digital future, developers in the vibrant Poblenou district have unveiled plans for the continent’s inaugural quantum-safe data hub, backed by a substantial €250 million investment. Scheduled to commence operations in the second quarter of this year, the facility promises to shield critical data from emerging quantum threats while fostering groundbreaking advancements in secure computing.
Nestled within Poblenou’s thriving tech ecosystem, often hailed as Catalonia’s innovation powerhouse, the hub represents a collaborative triumph among local quantum specialists, regional authorities, and forward-thinking investors. Led by pioneering firm Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, the project integrates cutting-edge post-quantum cryptography – a suite of robust encryption methods designed to withstand attacks from powerful quantum processors. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the European Union’s ambitious roadmap, which mandates the rollout of such protections across member states by the end of 2026, particularly for high-stakes sectors like finance, healthcare, and energy infrastructure.
The €250 million funding pool draws from a mix of public grants, private venture capital, and strategic partnerships, including contributions from the Catalan Government’s Department of Business and Labour through its Avançsa programme and the Agency for Business Competitiveness (ACCIÓ). Additional backing comes from the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), underscoring a unified commitment to elevating Spain’s role in global tech resilience. Construction has progressed rapidly since groundwork began in late 2025, with the hub set to house up to 10 advanced quantum processors alongside classical systems, enabling seamless multimodal access for thousands of users via a dedicated cloud platform.
Dr. Marta P. Estarellas, Chief Executive of Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, highlighted the hub’s transformative potential during a recent site briefing. “This facility stands as an inclusive ecosystem, bridging industry, academia, and public bodies to harness quantum-safe technologies today,” she remarked. “By combining analog quantum systems – ideal for simulating complex molecules and optimising large-scale challenges – with fortified encryption layers, we empower organisations to innovate securely and sustainably.”
The hub’s quantum-safe architecture employs lattice-based and hash-based algorithms, proven resilient against quantum algorithms like Shor’s that could otherwise unravel traditional encryption. Users will benefit from Quantum-as-a-Service offerings through the SpeQtrum platform, allowing remote experimentation in fields ranging from drug discovery to climate modelling. This hybrid setup not only accelerates research but also promotes energy-efficient computing, aligning with Europe’s green tech imperatives.
Community leaders in Poblenou have warmly embraced the development, viewing it as a catalyst for job creation and skill-building. Local training programmes, launching next month in partnership with Barcelona’s technical universities, aim to equip over 500 residents with expertise in quantum security by year’s end. Miquel Sàmper, Catalonia’s Minister for Business and Labour, praised the endeavour as a model of regional synergy. “Such projects exemplify how targeted support nurtures talent, draws investment, and spawns high-quality employment across our communities,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the hub positions Barcelona as a nexus for quantum innovation, complementing the city’s packed 2026 calendar of tech gatherings, from the International Quantum Matter Conference in April to the Quantum Meet summit in March. These events will amplify knowledge-sharing, drawing experts to explore practical migrations to quantum-safe standards. José María García Orois, Business Development Officer at SETT, noted the project’s ripple effects. “Qilimanjaro’s growth since its 2019 founding inspires confidence in Europe’s capacity to lead in error-resilient quantum solutions, blending on-premise hardware with cloud accessibility for broader societal gains.”
Beyond immediate operations, the facility pledges a focus on sustainability, incorporating low-power fluxonium-based chips that minimise environmental impact while maximising computational output. Early pilot programmes with healthcare providers and renewable energy firms demonstrate real-world applications, such as safeguarding patient data amid quantum advancements and optimising grid efficiencies.
This Poblenou milestone bolsters Spain’s contributions to EU digital sovereignty, ensuring critical infrastructures remain impervious to future threats. By prioritising collaboration and forward-planning, the quantum-safe data hub not only fortifies defences but also unlocks pathways for progress, inviting industries continent-wide to participate in a safer, smarter tomorrow. As Q2 approaches, anticipation builds for a launch that will redefine secure data management in Europe.
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