Netherlands #2 worldwide in quantum science; investments in quantum companies increased sixteenfold
PRESS RELEASE
Quantum Delta NL: Make the choice today to keep investing in quantum, also after 2028
The Netherlands now ranks second worldwide in the science of quantum computing, sensing, and communication. At the same time, private capital for Dutch quantum companies grew over five years from €10 million (2019) to €160 million (2025). This is according to The State of Quantum 2025, the data update published today by Quantum Delta NL with key figures on scientific output, entrepreneurship, employment, and patents in the Dutch quantum ecosystem. According to Quantum Delta NL, maintaining and capitalizing on this lead requires stable, multi-year investments, including beyond 2028.
Since 2021, the Netherlands has strengthened its national quantum ecosystem through Quantum Delta NL. Around five hubs, in Delft, Eindhoven, Leiden, Twente, and Amsterdam, research, talent, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing capacity come together. With support from the National Growth Fund, the Netherlands is positioning itself as an international center and hub for quantum technology; the current boost runs through the end of 2028.
State of quantum
The data update shared today shows that the ecosystem has increased in size and maturity in a short time. In 2025, Dutch quantum startups accounted for 735 jobs, about 400 of which are in Delft—more than four times as many as in 2020. The number of startups grew over five years to 29, and private investments increased by 1,600 percent over the same period, from €10 million to €160 million. Innovation capacity is also accelerating: the number of quantum-related patent applications rose from 11 in 2020 to 60 in 2025. Recent Series A rounds at, among others, QuantWare, Qblox, QuiX, and Orange Quantum Systems underscore that international investors know how to find the Netherlands.
The first applications are now emerging. In the Port of Rotterdam, a quantum-secure QKD connection is running as part of a scalable multi-user network for critical communications. In healthcare, quantum sensors are being used for sharper MRI scans. In addition, quantum random numbers are increasing the security of mobile phones. Together, these examples show that the step from lab to factory is within reach.
At the same time, international competition is fierce. China is investing large amounts of public money; the United States relies on strong private firepower with technology companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Nvidia; and Europe, too, is pooling its strengths. By around 2035, the global market value of quantum computers, networks, and sensors could grow to approximately 97 billion dollars, according to McKinsey. Those who move quickly now will determine future supply chains, exports, and high-quality employment. For that reason, Quantum Delta NL advocates follow-on funding after 2028, so that Dutch companies can scale up and the lead is anchored in production, export, and strategic autonomy.
We face a simple choice: watch while others call the shots, or build it here with our people, companies, and facilities. In the coming years, we must turn knowledge into production, export, and strategic autonomy. That requires predictable, long-term investments in talent, manufacturing capacity, and the step from lab to factory.
According to Niels Bultink, CEO of Qblox, the potential is huge: “The Netherlands has the chance to create dozens of ‘ASML moments’ in the quantum value chain over the coming decades—provided that capital and regulation scale with the ambitions.”
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