Spain Launches $860 Million Quantum Strategy to Boost National Industry and Secure Digital Sovereignty

Insider Brief

• Spain has launched its first National Quantum Technologies Strategy, committing over €800 million through 2030 to advance research, commercialization, and public engagement in quantum science.
• The strategy targets leadership in quantum computing, communication, and sensing, while linking national competitiveness to EU goals for digital sovereignty and secure infrastructure.
• A dedicated Quantum Communications Hub and early funding for major research centers reflect Spain’s effort to build a coordinated, scalable, and globally relevant quantum ecosystem.

Spain is entering the global quantum race with a national plan that aims to position the country as a leader in quantum technologies while shielding its digital infrastructure from future threats.

Unveiled at the OECD Global Technology Forum in Madrid, Spain’s first-ever National Quantum Technologies Strategy will invest over €800 million ($860 million U.S.) between 2025 and 2030 to grow its research ecosystem, stimulate industrial adoption, and prepare society for a transformation akin to the digital revolution. Backed by EU-aligned funding streams and expected to draw further public and private capital, total investment could approach €1.5 billion.

The strategy, approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers on April 15, takes a dual-track approach: expanding quantum research and market applications while educating the public and policymakers on the disruptive potential of the field, according to the announcement, computer translated from the original Spanish version. It also marks Spain’s most significant step toward staking its claim in a sector projected to reach a global market value of $173 billion by 2040.

Focus on Three Quantum Domains

The plan emphasizes progress in quantum computing, communication, and sensing — three pillars of the quantum stack where Spain sees both domestic strengths and geopolitical urgency. Unlike traditional computers, which follow the laws of classical physics, quantum systems use properties like superposition and entanglement to perform complex calculations exponentially faster, transmit information securely across long distances and detect physical changes with unprecedented accuracy.

Spanish officials underscored the strategy’s strategic relevance, citing its role in defending critical infrastructure — from financial transactions to energy grids — and reducing dependence on non-European technologies. Europe currently hosts around 25% of the world’s quantum SMEs, a share roughly equal to that of the U.S., according to the European Commission.

In addition to enhancing national competitiveness, the effort aims to align Spain with broader EU goals for digital sovereignty and economic resilience, particularly in the wake of accelerated global investment in post-quantum cryptography and secure communication channels.

Industrial Use Cases Drive National Strategy

The Spanish government has linked its quantum ambitions to high-impact sectors such as drug discovery, climate risk modeling, materials engineering and power grid optimization. Officials indicated that quantum technologies could also be critical in defense applications, such as enabling quantum clocks for navigation systems that operate independently of GPS signals.

These applied use — and dual use — cases will be supported by increased investment in infrastructure, use-case development and post-quantum cybersecurity, the government said. The strategy builds on roughly €300 million already invested over recent years and aligns with the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

A major initiative already underway is the Quantum Communications Hub, established by Royal Decree with an initial investment of €10 million. This hub will focus on three fronts: testing use cases in real-world settings, advancing quantum photonics research, and supporting training and outreach efforts across Spain’s research institutions. Early funding recipients include the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Catalonia (€2.4 million), the Polytechnic University of Madrid (€1.4 million), the Donostia International Physics Center (€930,000), and the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (€480,000).

Seven Priority Areas for National Leadership

The strategy identifies seven interlinked priorities to guide implementation and future funding:

1. Funding — Support for Spanish quantum firms through tailored funding and incentives.
2. AI and Quantum — Cross-pollination between quantum and AI in algorithm design and architecture.
3. Quantum Comm — Leadership in quantum communications, with emphasis on national infrastructure.
4. Quantum Sensing — Demonstration of quantum sensing and metrology, particularly in dual-use sectors.
5. Data Security — Data privacy and confidentiality in the post-quantum era, including regulatory frameworks.
6. Growth— Investment in infrastructure, talent, and research capacity, to grow domestic capabilities.
7. Ecosystem Development — Creation of a coordinated quantum ecosystem, positioning Spain as an EU leader.

To craft the strategy, the government conducted extensive consultations with quantum researchers, startups, regional governments, and public institutions. The final document reflects a coordinated interministerial effort to ensure consistent policy execution and knowledge transfer.

Global Context and Strategic Imperative

The announcement comes as geopolitical tensions drive interest in securing next-generation technologies. Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service framed the strategy as essential not only for innovation but for national and continental autonomy. With China, the U.S., and other major economies racing to dominate quantum capabilities, European countries are under pressure to act quickly or risk strategic dependence.

Spain’s effort was spotlighted by the OECD forum as a model for how mid-sized nations can take concrete steps to build a comprehensive quantum policy that balances research investment with market-building and civic education.

The closing session of the event featured Spain’s secretaries of state for digitalization and science outlining the broader social mission behind the strategy. A public event aimed at citizens followed, underscoring the government’s intent to demystify quantum science and highlight its relevance to everyday life.

Limitations and Risks

While the strategy represents a robust national commitment, it’s important to understand the challenges, most of which will not be exclusive to Spain, but represent the hurdles of moving quantum science from lab to real life, in general. First, talent shortages persist in quantum science across Europe, and many proposed applications, particularly in computing, remain experimental. The pace of commercialization is also uneven, and translating lab research into scalable industry tools will require sustained coordination between academia, startups, and investors.

Finally, Spain will need to guard against duplicative efforts and ensure that its regional and national quantum initiatives work in tandem with European programs, such as the Quantum Flagship and EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure).