Spain, Unknown – January 13, 2026 — MADRID — Félix Bolaños, Spain’s Minister for the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes, has spearheaded a landmark €2.8 billion quantum computing initiative, forging a strategic partnership with cutting-edge Basque laboratories in Bilbao. Announced on January 13, this ambitious endeavour integrates national resources with regional expertise to elevate Spain’s position in European technological independence, fostering innovation across key sectors.
The initiative builds on Spain’s established National Quantum Technologies Strategy 2025–2030, amplifying prior commitments through fresh public-private synergies. With €808 million already allocated from government funds, complemented by €700 million from private investors and European Union contributions, the new infusion brings the total to €2.8 billion. This capital will accelerate the development of quantum infrastructure, emphasising superconducting qubit systems and hybrid computing environments that merge quantum capabilities with high-performance classical processors.
At the heart of the project lies collaboration with Bilbao’s renowned research facilities, including the Donostia International Physics Center and Basque Center for Applied Mathematics. These institutions, pivotal in quantum sensing and photonics, will host advanced testing hubs. Engineers from Qilimanjaro and GMV, leaders in European quantum hardware, are integrating 54-qubit systems akin to those deployed at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. By mid-2026, Bilbao labs aim to operationalise a dedicated quantum node, enabling real-time experimentation in secure communications and materials science.
“This partnership marks a pivotal advancement for Spain’s quantum ecosystem,” Bolaños stated during a press briefing at Madrid’s OECD Global Technology Forum venue. “By uniting Madrid’s strategic oversight with Bilbao’s technical prowess, we are constructing resilient foundations for EU-wide tech autonomy, creating opportunities for researchers, industries and communities alike.” Basque regional leaders echoed this optimism, highlighting how the initiative aligns with local strengths in photonics and metrology, promising enhanced job creation in high-skill fields.
The programme prioritises four interconnected pillars: ecosystem expansion, technology transfer from labs to markets, workforce development and cross-sector partnerships. In Bilbao, training academies under the TalentQ banner will equip over 1,000 professionals annually through workshops and seminars, drawing on resources from the Spanish Supercomputing Network. This includes access to hybrid platforms at CESGA in Galicia and MareNostrum 5 in Barcelona, where quantum computers already simulate complex molecular interactions for pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
Positive ripple effects are anticipated across Spain’s economy. Quantum-enhanced cybersecurity, via post-quantum cryptography, will safeguard critical infrastructure, while sensing applications promise precision in environmental monitoring and healthcare diagnostics. Industries from logistics to finance stand to benefit from algorithms that solve optimisation challenges exponentially faster. Early pilots in Bilbao focus on quantum communications hubs, funded at €10 million initially, now scaling with the €2.8 billion boost to support nationwide photonics research.
Community engagement forms a cornerstone, with outreach programmes designed to demystify quantum technologies. Public demonstrations at upcoming Q-Expo 2026 in Bilbao will showcase practical demonstrations, inspiring the next generation of innovators. “These efforts are weaving quantum progress into everyday progress,” noted a spokesperson from the Institute of Photonic Sciences, a key beneficiary. “The Bilbao-Madrid axis is not just building machines; it’s nurturing a culture of collaborative excellence.”
This initiative dovetails seamlessly with Spain’s Digital Spain 2026 agenda and EU recovery plans, positioning the nation as a vanguard in the quantum era. By channeling funds into domestic firms like IQM collaborators and Telefónica, it stimulates industrial growth without reliance on external supply chains. Projections indicate up to 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030, alongside advancements in AI-quantum convergence for smarter algorithms.
Stakeholders praise the forward-thinking governance model, which coordinates universities, supercomputing centres and enterprises under a unified framework. The Donostia International Physics Center, receiving expanded €930,000 grants, will pioneer quantum metrology for dual-use innovations, enhancing both civilian and strategic applications. Meanwhile, the Polytechnic University of Madrid advances hybrid workflows, ensuring seamless scalability.
As implementation ramps up, the Bolaños-led effort underscores Spain’s commitment to proactive tech leadership. By harnessing Basque innovation hubs, the country is not only bolstering its EU standing but also paving pathways for sustainable, inclusive growth. Researchers and businesses eagerly anticipate the first Bilbao milestones, confident in the transformative potential ahead.
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Image Credit: Photo by markuswinkler on Unsplash
