--- title: "Quantum Computing Statistics 2026: Market Size and Data" date: 2026-05-03 author: "Sofia Ramirez" featured_image: "https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/quantum-computing-statistics.jpg" categories: - name: "Technology" url: "/technology.md" tags: - name: "Statistics" url: "/tag/statistics.md" --- # Quantum Computing Statistics 2026: Market Size and Data The global quantum computing market reached **$1.4 billion** in 2025, part of a broader **$1.9 billion** quantum technology sector that grew **30%** year over year, according to QED-C’s State of the Global Quantum Industry 2026 report. Private venture capital firms invested **$4.9 billion** in quantum startups during 2025, a **192%** increase over 2024, while public funding commitments rose by more than **$12.7 billion** over the past year to reach an estimated **$56.7 billion** total. These quantum computing statistics span market size, hardware milestones, patent filings, workforce growth, government spending, and post-quantum cybersecurity readiness. ## Key Takeaways - The quantum computing market hit **$1.4 billion** in 2025 and is projected to grow at a **30%** annual rate to reach **$3 billion** by 2028, per QED-C. - Private venture capital reached **$4.9 billion** in 2025, a **192%** surge over 2024, with later-stage funding rounds driving a **320%** increase. - Total patent filings grew **31%** from 2024 to 2025, with China holding **54%** of the nearly **70,000** global quantum patent filings. - The global pure-play quantum workforce grew **14%** to nearly **16,500** professionals, adding **2,000** workers in a single year. - NIST released **3** finalized post-quantum encryption standards after assessing **82** algorithms from **25** countries over an 8-year effort. - The EU holds **32%** of the world’s quantum technology companies but accounts for only **6%** of global patenting, per the EU Joint Research Centre. - IonQ became the first quantum computing company to exceed **$100 million** in annual GAAP revenue, reaching **$130 million** in 2025. ## Editor’s Choice - The total global quantum technology market is expected to exceed **$4 billion** by 2028, per QED-C. - Governments worldwide have committed an estimated **$56.7 billion** to quantum research and innovation. - IBM plans a 4,158-qubit quantum system using its Kookaburra multi-chip processor. - Google’s Willow chip completed a benchmark calculation in approximately **5 minutes** that would take a classical supercomputer 10^25 years. - Nearly **70,000** active quantum patents exist globally, per QED-C data reported by SRI International. - The global quantum computing sector has raised **$11.1 billion** in all-time funding across **492** rounds. - The maximum market potential of quantum computing is estimated at **$250 billion** across industries, according to Bain and Company. ## Recent Developments - QED-C published its State of the Global Quantum Industry report in April 2026, finding that the global quantum market reached **$1.9 billion** in 2025. - In November 2025, IBM unveiled its Nighthawk quantum processor with **120 qubits** and **218** next-generation tunable couplers, over **20** percent more than its predecessor. - In February 2025, [Microsoft](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/microsoft-statistics/) announced Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum processing unit powered by a Topological Core, designed to scale to a million qubits. - Quantum startups raised over **$1.25 billion** in Q1 2025 alone, more than double the **$550 million** raised in Q1 2024. - Fujitsu and RIKEN launched a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer in April 2025, targeting a 1,000-qubit machine by 2026. - NIST selected HQC as its fourth post-quantum cryptography algorithm for standardization in 2025. ## Quantum Computing Market Size and Revenue Statistics - The global quantum computing market reached **$1.4 billion** in 2025, per QED-C. - The quantum sensing segment added another **$470 million**, bringing total quantum technology revenue to **$1.9 billion**. - QED-C projects the quantum computing market to grow at a **30%** annual rate to reach **$3 billion** by 2028. - Quantum sensing is expected to grow at a **32%** annual rate, reaching **$1.1 billion** by 2028. - The total quantum technology market is expected to double, exceeding **$4 billion** by 2028. - Bain and Company estimates the maximum market potential at **$250 billion** across pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, and materials science. - The current annual market for quantum computing hardware and services remains less than **$1 billion**. - More than half of quantum companies anticipate at least an **11%** increase in revenue from 2025 to 2026. YearQuantum Computing RevenueTotal Quantum Tech RevenueGrowth Rate2025$1.4 billion$1.9 billion30%2026 (projected)$1.8 billion$2.5 billion~30%2027 (projected)$2.3 billion$3.2 billion~30%2028 (projected)$3.0 billion$4.0+ billion~30%*Source: QED-C* These quantum computing statistics on revenue growth hinge on whether capital inflows from both private investors and government treasuries continue accelerating. ## Quantum Computing Revenue by Company - IonQ posted full-year 2025 revenue of **$130 million**, up **202%** year over year. - IonQ became the first quantum computing company in history to report more than **$100 million** in annual GAAP revenue. - IonQ’s Q4 2025 alone generated **$61.9 million** in revenue. - D-Wave reported 2025 revenue of **$24.6 million**. - IBM has booked **$1 billion** in cumulative quantum business since 2017. - **37%** of surveyed quantum companies project more than **25%** revenue growth from 2025 to 2026. - QED-C identified **556** pure-play quantum companies globally at the end of 2025. - In 2025, more quantum computing companies reported revenue above **$5 million** compared to 2024, and fewer companies reported zero sales. Company2025 RevenueYoY ChangeNotesIonQ$130 million+202%First to exceed $100M GAAP revenueD-Wave$24.6 millionN/AQuantum annealing focusIBM (cumulative)$1 billionSince 2017Includes hardware + services*Source: The Quantum Insider, company filings* The revenue gap between IonQ and other pure-play firms signals an industry still in early commercialization. Readers tracking [AI in social media statistics](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/ai-in-social-media-tools-statistics/) can see how Quantum’s commercial trajectory compares to AI’s faster adoption curve. ## Quantum Computing Investment and Funding Statistics - Private venture capital firms invested **$4.9 billion** in quantum startups in 2025, a **192%** increase over 2024. - Later-stage funding rounds drove a **320%** surge in investment. - The sector attracted over **$1.25 billion** in Q1 2025 alone, more than double the **$550 million** raised in Q1 2024, a **128%** year-over-year increase. - The global quantum computing sector has raised **$11.1 billion** in all-time funding across **492** rounds. - In 2025, U.S.-headquartered companies raised **$2.7 billion** in venture capital, approximately **$1 billion** more than the prior year. - European startups captured **47.5%** of quantum venture funding in Q1 2025, a **16.5%** increase from the previous year. - The quantum ecosystem has recorded **24** mega rounds of **$100 million** or more, led by PsiQuantum’s **$1 billion** Series E, Quantinuum’s **$839 million** Series E, and SandboxAQ’s **$500 million** Series A. - **19** new pure-play U.S. startups launched in 2025. ![Quantum Computing Investment Growth](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/quantum-computing-investment-growth.jpg "Quantum Computing Investment Growth") Private capital tells half the quantum computing statistics story; government commitments dwarf it in total. ## Government Quantum Computing Spending by Country - Public funding commitments for quantum research increased by more than **$12.7 billion** over the past year, reaching an estimated **$56.7 billion** total. - China has committed an estimated **$15 billion** in total quantum investment, plus a **1 trillion yuan** (approximately **$138 billion**) mobilization fund announced in March 2025 for quantum and related fields. - The United Kingdom committed GBP 2.5 billion in a ten-year National Quantum Strategy. - Germany allocated EUR 3 billion in a 2023 universal quantum computer action plan. - France committed EUR 1.8 billion in a five-year quantum investment plan beginning in 2021. - Japan committed approximately **$7 billion** for next-generation chips and quantum computing in 2024. - The U.S. National Quantum Initiative authorized **$1.2 billion** over five years starting in 2018. - The European Commission invested more than EUR 2 billion in quantum technology between 2012 and 2024. > **By the numbers:** According to QED-C, public funding commitments for quantum research reached an estimated **$56.7 billion** globally, increasing by more than **$12.7 billion** over the past year. That pace of government spending exceeds private venture capital by a factor of more than 10. Country/RegionCommitmentProgramPeriodChina~$15 billion (+ ~$138 billion fund)National quantum labs + mobilization fundOngoingJapan~$7 billionChips and quantum computing2024United KingdomGBP 2.5 billionNational Quantum Strategy10-yearGermanyEUR 3 billionQuantum action plan2023European CommissionEUR 2+ billionQuantum Flagship and other programs2012-2024FranceEUR 1.8 billionFive-year investment plan2021-2026United States$1.2 billion (NQI)National Quantum Initiative2018-2023*Source: Qureca Quantum Initiatives Worldwide, EU Joint Research Centre* Government dollars fuel the hardware race, where qubit counts and error correction rates determine commercial viability. ## Quantum Computing Hardware Milestones - IBM’s Nighthawk processor has **120 qubits** linked with **218** next-generation tunable couplers, over **20** percent more couplers compared to IBM Quantum Heron. - Nighthawk delivers circuits with **30** percent more complexity than previous processors while maintaining low error rates. - Nighthawk currently supports up to **5,000** two-qubit gates, with IBM expecting up to **7,500** gates by the end of 2026 and **10,000** gates in 2027. - IBM’s planned Kookaburra processor is a 1,386-qubit multi-chip design that links three chips to form a combined 4,158-qubit quantum system. - Google’s Willow quantum chip features **105** superconducting qubits and completed a benchmark calculation in approximately **5 minutes** that would require a classical supercomputer 10^25 years. - In February 2025, Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum processing unit powered by a Topological Core, designed to scale to a million qubits on a single chip. - The Microsoft team created an eight-qubit topological quantum processor using a new topoconductor material combining indium arsenide and aluminum. - Fujitsu and RIKEN launched a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer in April 2025, targeting a 1,000-qubit machine by 2026. - IBM targets delivery of quantum advantage by the end of 2026 and fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029 with Quantum Starling, which will have approximately **200** logical qubits on the order of **10,000** physical qubits. ![Top Quantum Computers By Qubits And Processor Type](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/top-quantum-computers-by-qubits-and-processor-type.jpg "Top Quantum Computers by Qubits and Processor Type") Hardware progress depends on protecting the intellectual property behind each advance, which makes patent data a leading indicator of where the industry is heading. ## Quantum Computing Patent Statistics - Nearly **70,000** active quantum patents exist globally, per QED-C data. - Total patent filings grew by **31%** from 2024 to 2025. - China holds **54%** of global quantum patent filings. - The EU accounts for only **6%** of global quantum patenting despite holding **32%** of the world’s quantum technology companies. - China dominates quantum patenting with **46%** of filings, followed by the U.S. at **23%**, according to the EU Joint Research Centre. - Approximately **23%** of EU quantum patent applications are co-patented with non-EU partners, primarily from the U.S. - The EU’s compound annual growth rate in quantum patenting more than doubled in 2021-2024. - More than half of EU quantum technology companies were created since 2018. The EU’s patent-company disconnect suggests a commercialization gap where research capacity exists but IP protection lags. ![Quantum Computing Patent Leadership vs Company Base by Region](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/quantum-computing-patent-leadership-vs-company-base-by-region.jpg "Quantum Computing Patent Leadership vs Company Base by Region") Patent leadership means little without the workforce to turn filings into products, and the talent pipeline is the industry’s most urgent constraint. ## Quantum Computing Workforce and Talent Statistics - In 2025, the global pure-play quantum workforce grew **14%** to reach nearly **16,500** professionals. - The industry added **2,000** new workers in a single year, alongside sustained **11%** growth in job and internship openings. - Quantum computing positions command an average salary of **$181,491** per year in the United States, according to an analysis published in EPJ Quantum Technology. - **75%** of individuals who apply for quantum computing positions do not possess the necessary skills competency. - The global quantum workforce shortage is projected to exceed **10,000** skilled roles by 2026-27. - The projected need by 2030 is **250,000** or more new quantum professionals. - The EU leads with **173** pure-play quantum companies, followed by the U.S. with **164**. - **19** new pure-play U.S. startups launched in 2025. > **Key finding:** According to EPJ Quantum Technology’s analysis of 3,641 job posts, **75%** of applicants for quantum computing positions lack the necessary skills competency, and the global workforce shortage is projected to exceed **10,000** skilled roles by 2026-27. That skills gap constrains an industry that added only 2,000 workers in its strongest hiring year. ![Quantum Computing Workforce Supply vs Demand Forecast](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/quantum-computing-workforce-supply-vs-demand-forecast.jpg "Quantum Computing Workforce Supply vs Demand Forecast") The talent gap matters most in cybersecurity, where quantum threats demand a workforce that does not yet exist at scale. SQ Magazine’s coverage of [AI job displacement data](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/ai-job-loss-statistics/) tracks a related pattern in how automation reshapes job categories. ## Post-Quantum Cryptography and Cybersecurity Statistics - In August 2024, NIST released **3** finalized post-quantum encryption standards: FIPS 203 (ML-KEM), FIPS 204 (ML-DSA), and FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA). - NIST assessed **82** algorithms submitted from **25** countries over an **8-year** effort. - NIST’s target is to deprecate and remove quantum-vulnerable algorithms from its standards by **2035**, with high-risk systems transitioning much earlier. - NIST selected HQC as a fourth post-quantum cryptography algorithm for standardization in 2025. - **73%** of IT security professionals expect post-quantum cryptography risk within **5 years**, per Bain and Company. - **32%** of those professionals expect material risk within **3 years**. - Only **9%** of tech leaders have a roadmap in place for the post-quantum cryptography transition. - NIST encourages system administrators to start integrating post-quantum standards into their systems immediately. StandardBased OnPurposeFIPS 203 (ML-KEM)CRYSTALS-KyberGeneral encryption / key encapsulationFIPS 204 (ML-DSA)CRYSTALS-DilithiumDigital signaturesFIPS 205 (SLH-DSA)SPHINCS+Backup digital signatures (hash-based)*Source: NIST* The 73%-to-9% gap between professionals who expect quantum risk and those with a transition plan mirrors the broader [cybersecurity](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/cybersecurity-statistics/) readiness pattern SQ Magazine has documented: awareness consistently outpaces action. ## Quantum Computing Statistics by Country - The EU leads with **173** pure-play quantum companies, followed by the United States with **164**. - The EU holds **32%** of the world’s quantum technology companies but accounts for only **6%** of global patenting. - China dominates quantum patenting with **46%** of global filings, followed by the U.S. at **23%**. - In 2025, U.S.-headquartered quantum companies raised **$2.7 billion** in venture capital. - China has committed approximately **$15 billion** in total quantum investment. - The United Kingdom committed GBP 2.5 billion in a ten-year National Quantum Strategy. - Approximately **23%** of EU quantum patent applications are co-patented with non-EU partners, primarily from the U.S. - QED-C identified **7,418** quantum-engaged organizations worldwide at the end of 2025. Country/RegionPure-Play CompaniesPatent ShareVC/Funding HighlightEU1736%EUR 2+ billion (EC, 2012-2024)United States16423%$2.7 billion VC (2025)ChinaN/A46-54%~$15 billion total commitmentUnited KingdomN/AN/AGBP 2.5 billion (10-year)*Source: QED-C, EU Joint Research Centre, Qureca* Country-level data feeds into projections for the industry’s next phase. [Google workforce data](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/how-many-people-work-at-google/) provides context on how major tech employers allocate resources toward quantum research. ## Quantum Computing Use Cases and Applications - Bain and Company estimates the maximum market potential of quantum computing at **$250 billion** across pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, and materials science. - Over **50%** of that projected market value, approximately **$150 billion**, sits in quantum machine learning, which remains mostly theoretical. - The $100-250 billion range represents the total estimated market potential across all quantum computing applications. - IonQ demonstrated a **12%** performance advantage over classical computing in medical device simulation in March 2025. - Google’s Willow completed a benchmark calculation in approximately **5 minutes** that would require a classical supercomputer 10^25 years. - DARPA’s US2QC program targets utility-scale quantum computing by **2033**. Application AreaEstimated ValueStatusQuantum machine learning~$150 billionMostly theoreticalDrug discovery/molecular simulationHigh (unquantified)Early pilot stageFinancial optimizationHigh (unquantified)Active enterprise pilotsLogistics / supply chainMediumResearch phaseMaterials scienceMediumResearch phaseLogistics/supply chainCriticalNIST standards live*Source: Bain and Company* These use cases define where quantum computing moves from lab to production next. [AI model comparison data](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/claude-vs-chatgpt-statistics/) shows how classical AI already handles some of these tasks, framing quantum’s role as an accelerator for problems that exceed classical limits. ## Quantum Computing Industry Outlook - The global quantum computing market is projected to double by 2028, reaching **$3 billion** in revenue. - From 2025 to 2026, **37%** of surveyed quantum companies project more than **25%** revenue growth. - IBM targets quantum advantage by the end of **2026** and fault-tolerant quantum computing by **2029**. - IBM Quantum Starling will have approximately **200** logical qubits, comprising on the order of **10,000** physical qubits, capable of running circuits with **100 million** gates. - DARPA’s US2QC program targets utility-scale quantum computing by **2033**. - The United Nations designated **2025** as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. - More than half of quantum companies anticipate at least an **11%** increase in revenue from 2025 to 2026. MilestoneTarget YearEntityQuantum advantageEnd of 2026IBM1,000-qubit processor2026Fujitsu/RIKENFault-tolerant QC2029IBM (Starling)Utility-scale quantum2033DARPA (US2QC)PQC algorithm deprecation2035NIST*Source: IBM, DARPA, NIST, Fujitsu* The spread from IBM’s advantage target to NIST’s deprecation deadline defines a critical migration window. [Linux usage statistics](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/linux-statistics/) document the open-source backbone on which much quantum software development runs. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **How big is the quantum computing market?**The global quantum computing market reached $1.4 billion in 2025, with the total quantum technology market, including quantum sensing, at $470 million, reaching $1.9 billion, per QED-C. QED-C projects the computing segment to grow at a 30% annual rate to reach $3 billion by 2028. **Which country leads in quantum computing?**Leadership depends on the metric. China holds 46% of global quantum patent filings, per the EU Joint Research Centre. The EU leads in pure-play company count with 173 firms versus 164 in the United States. China has committed the largest total government investment at approximately $15 billion. **What is the biggest quantum computer?**IBM’s planned Kookaburra processor will link three 1,386-qubit chips to form a 4,158-qubit system. Google’s Willow chip has 105 superconducting qubits and demonstrated below-threshold error correction. Fujitsu and RIKEN operate a 256-qubit superconducting machine. **Is quantum computing a threat to cybersecurity?**In August 2024, NIST released three post-quantum cryptography standards to address the future quantum threat to current encryption. 73% of IT security professionals surveyed by Bain and Company expect post-quantum cryptography risk within five years. NIST targets the removal of quantum-vulnerable algorithms from its standards by 2035. **How many quantum computing jobs are there?**In 2025, the global pure-play quantum workforce reached nearly 16,500 professionals, growing 14% year over year, according to QED-C. Quantum computing positions pay an average of $181,491 per year in the United States, per EPJ Quantum Technology. The industry projects a need for 250,000 or more new professionals by 2030. ## Conclusion The quantum computing market hit **$1.4 billion** in 2025 and is on track to reach **$3 billion** by 2028, driven by **$4.9 billion** in venture capital and **$56.7 billion** in cumulative government commitments. Hardware milestones from IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Fujitsu are pushing qubit counts and error correction closer to practical advantage, while NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards mark the beginning of a global migration to quantum-safe encryption. The workforce gap, with **75%** of applicants lacking required skills and a projected shortage of **10,000+** roles, remains the most immediate constraint on the industry’s trajectory. [Technology](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/technology-growth-statistics/) leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and policymakers tracking quantum advancement will find the pace of capital deployment and talent development this year as revealing as the qubit counts themselves.