However, the market logic is changing radically: away from the pioneer market for many small players, massive concentration is emerging. In 2025, around 60 percent of the total investment volume flowed into the ten largest deals. And according to McKinsey, another change is noteworthy – capital hardly comes from the state anymore. While in 2024 a third of investments came from public sources, this share fell to just three percent in 2025. Private investors have taken over.
From the laboratory to practice
According to the industry monitor, more than 300 companies worldwide are already actively working with quantum technologies. Clear areas of application emerge in which the economic leverage is greatest:
- Pharma and chemistry: Molecular-level simulations accelerate the development of new drugs and materials.
- Logistics: Complex optimization problems in the industrial value chain are solved using the new computing power.
- Financial sector: Risk analysis, portfolio management and security applications are coming into focus.
What is interesting is the strategy that users are pursuing: Instead of waiting for quantum computers to completely replace classic computers, companies are relying on hybrid architectures. Classic high-performance computers (HPC), artificial intelligence and quantum systems work hand in hand and the computers are usually not on-premises. Companies use the technology via cloud-based models (Quantum-as-a-Service) without investing millions in their own hardware.
