Inventions in quantum technologies surge five-fold in last decade

Launched at today’s hybrid event at the OECD in Paris, a new joint study reveals the rapid rise of quantum technologies, covering communication, computing and sensing. Also, a new technology platform helps researchers find quantum inventions; and a new filter for quantum technology has been added to our Deep Tech Finder.

Quantum technologies are set to reshape the economy, as quantum computers unlock unprecedented computational power, quantum sensing drives advances in areas ranging from medical imaging to seismic detection, and quantum communication transforms data security.

The study, produced jointly by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), captures the richness and complexity of the quantum ecosystem from a variety of data sources. Its holistic approach analyses innovation, firm activity, investment trends, skills demand, and trade in relevant equipment and materials, as well as reviewing government efforts to advance quantum technologies.

“Quantum technologies hold huge potential but are still in the early stages of development,” said EPO President António Campinos. “As this study and the Draghi report highlight, the EU has room to grow its quantum investment, especially when compared to leading countries like the United States. Private-sector funding is now needed to commercialise basic research, and governments should make this a priority.”

Rapid but uneven growth across technology fields

To quantify the trends in three key quantum fields – communication, computing and sensing – the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology looked at those inventions for which patent applications were filed in two or more countries. These are so-called “international patent families” or IPFs, and for quantum inventions the growth in patenting activity since 2015 increased five-fold, with quantum communication – the largest field – up well over two-fold and quantum computing – the fastest growing field – up 16-fold; both far ahead of the average rise in IPFs across all technologies.

Trends in PFs in quantum technologies by quantum area

Germany, the United Kingdom and France lead for quantum patenting in Europe – they also lead for public funding of R&D. The United States stands out as the leading player in terms of new firm formation, innovation output and total investment mobilised, across all quantum domains. China, Japan and Korea play major and complementary roles in the emerging global quantum landscape, each having their own broad industrial base and generating rich patent portfolios.

Larger ICT firms often do more than just quantum, new startups are more focused

The study looked in detail at almost 5 000 startups, companies, universities and public research organisations (PROs) from around the world which are involved in quantum technologies. The top five applicants overall in quantum IPFs in 2005-2024 were IBM, LG, Toshiba, Intel and Microsoft. While larger, more established companies account for over 80% of the sector, their main activities lie outside quantum. Nevertheless, they file more patent applications and create the most jobs in the quantum ecosystem. Meanwhile, fewer than 1 000 entities focus mostly or exclusively on quantum technologies. Many of these are small startups relying on early-stage investments and public funding – however, the number of small firms, and the funding they receive, seems to have plateaued since 2021.

Strengthening the quantum ecosystem

An exceptionally high share of patent applications in the area of quantum technologies cite non-patent literature (32%), underscoring the field’s deep ties to scientific research. Collaboration among public research organisations, startups and large companies is increasingly vital, as the ecosystem moves toward commercialisation. At the same time, quantum development faces challenges, including growing concentration and dependencies in global supply chains on critical components such as industrial diamonds, aluminium oxide and oxometallic salts. Firms must secure highly specialised technical talent while also integrating the softer skills needed to bring products to market. Public policies will therefore need to extend beyond supporting innovation to strengthening the entire ecosystem.

Join the discussion, live at today’s free online event

The EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology is co-organising a free hybrid event hosted at the OECD headquarters in Paris to be opened with keynote speeches from the President of the EPO and the Secretary General of the OECD. Join the discussion at Scaling up quantum innovation, to hear from the study’s authors as well as from quantum industry experts during a panel debate on the challenges to scaling this rapidly evolving sector.

New platform to find quantum technologies

Also introduced at today’s live event, and complementing the study, is a free online platform, Quantum technologies, that simplifies access for researchers and investors to technical information contained in relevant patent documents from anywhere in the world. The platform includes the 31 700 inventions on which the study was based, and many more besides. EPO examiners and data analysts have contributed their expert knowledge to prepare 18 datasets across three broad areas: communications, computing and sensing. This is the eighth technology platform from the EPO, following those on digital agriculture, space technology and clean energy for example.

Linking investors with startups in the quantum ecosystem

To help in the development and commercialisation of new quantum technologies, the EPO has also updated its Deep Tech Finder, making it possible to identify European startups with European patents in the quantum ecosystem. This free tool from the EPO’s Observatory blends business data and investment histories from over 11 000 European startups, universities or public research organisations (PROs) with their respective patent applications or granted patents. Now also available as a mobile app, this tool includes a filter for quantum technologies, relating to more than 150 investment-ready startups, universities or PROs. The Deep Tech Finder therefore helps investors and potential partners find European startups with valuable new quantum inventions.