Ireland’s Push to Lead in Quantum Technology

A flurry of activity has been unfolding in Ireland’s quantum technology space in recent months, indicating a shift from research ambition to commercial momentum.

In November 2025, the European Space Agency selected Equal1, a University College Dublin spin-out, to install a cutting-edge quantum computing system for Earth Observation. The tie-up will see Equal1’s Bell-1 quantum computer deployed to accelerate complex data centre workloads in space science.

Globally, the sector is gaining traction with surging investment and faster-than-expected innovation projected to propel the quantum market to $100 billion by 2035, according to McKinsey’s latest Quantum Technology Monitor report.

Ireland is positioning itself to capture part of that opportunity. Under its national strategy Quantum 2030, the country aims to become an internationally competitive hub in quantum technologies by the end of the decade, built around research excellence, talent and enterprise collaboration.

What is quantum technology?

Quantum technology is built on the principles of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that explains how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales. First developed in the early 20th century through the work of scientists such as Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, these ideas have already shaped modern technologies such as semiconductors in your phones to advanced medical diagnostics.

Today, quantum technology refers to a new generation of applications that use these principles in more advanced ways. In terms of interest from enterprise and investment, quantum computing remains the most prominent where information is processed using quantum bits, or qubits. Unlike traditional bits, which are either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states at once due to a property known as superposition. This allows quantum computers to handle certain complex problems far more efficiently than classical computers.

Besides quantum computing, two other related technologies – quantum communication and quantum sensing – are also gaining traction. While quantum communication focuses on secure data transmission using techniques such as quantum cryptography, quantum sensing uses the sensitivity of quantum states for highly precise measurements, with potential applications in healthcare and environment monitoring.

In 2024, NVIDIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Equal1 to collaborate on quantum technology use cases, business models and proof of concept, with a focus on integrating quantum-classical infrastructure for cloud and data centre deployments.

Sectoral impact of quantum technologies

The McKinsey report notes that industries such as life sciences, finance, chemicals and mobility are expected to be early beneficiaries of quantum technologies.

In financial services, quantum computing is being explored for portfolio optimisation, risk analysis and fraud detection. These are areas where institutions must process large numbers of variables and scenarios, often under tight time constraints.

John Durcan, IDA Ireland’s Chief Technologist, has highlighted fintech as one of the sectors likely to experience significant impact, pointing to Ireland’s existing depth in financial technology and payments. “For example, we have Mastercard with their only European Tech Hub based in Ireland, who are partnering with corporate and academic players in Ireland and around the globe to explore quantum computing in finance and payment use cases.”

In life sciences, the opportunity is different but equally significant. In an interview with AZoQuantum, Durcan said: “Currently, there is the idea that quantum will be able to help find new chemical compounds. The reason why quantum is wanted for this is because chemical compounds are quite complex when they are being built, and the complexities increase as the compounds grow. It would take months or years for a classical computer to monitor this process, compared to quantum, which should be able to do this in a much shorter period of time.”

“We're starting to see this in drug discovery as well, with most recently seeing AI being used to help source new antibiotics,” he pointed out, showcasing one of the use case of quantum computing in healthcare.

Material sciences is also emerging as a key area, particularly in the design of new compounds for industrial and environmental applications.

Ireland an ideal base for quantum innovation

Ireland’s positioning in quantum technology builds on an established industrial and research base. The country is already one of the world’s leading technology hubs, with nine of the top ten global software and tech companies and three of the top four internet firms maintaining significant operations here. Ireland also plays a key role in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, logistics and finance, sectors expected to be among the early adopters of quantum applications.

The research base is another differentiator. Ireland has a robust track record in fundamental quantum science and in enabling technologies such as photonics, electronics and nanofabrication.

On top of this, quantum technologies are major research topics for tech giants such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, Intel, as well as emerging players like Equal1.
This industrial base is backed by Ireland’s talent pipeline. The country has one of the highest proportions of STEM graduates in the European Union, giving companies access to the scientific, engineering and digital skills needed to develop and apply quantum technologies.

Industry-academic quantum partnership

The Quantum Computing in Ireland (QCoIr) initiative brings together Tyndall National Institute, University College Dublin and Maynooth University with enterprise partners such as IBM and Mastercard to advance quantum computing research and applications.

Trinity Quantum Alliance is another significant boost to the quantum ecosystem in Ireland, with industry partners such as Microsoft, IBM, Moody’s Analytics, and Algorithmiq collaborating with Trinity College Dublin to advance quantum research and innovation.

Ireland is also playing an active role in European programmes. Its involvement in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) is aimed at building secure quantum networks across the EU, with Irish partners contributing to the development of national and cross-border systems.

A key part of the broader EU-wide EuroQCI programme, the IrelandQCI project is a €10 million initiative designed to establish a national quantum communications infrastructure (QCI) in Ireland. Coordinated by Waterford-based Walton Institute at South East Technological University on behalf of CONNECT Research Ireland Centre, the project aims to secure critical infrastructure against the threat of cybersecurity attacks, specifically targeting the connection between Dublin and Cork via Waterford.

Building quantum momentum

Quantum technology is still at a nascent stage of commercial deployment, but the trajectory is becoming clearer, with many in industry viewing it as a major frontier after artificial intelligence.

In Ireland, activity is no longer confined to research labs or long-term planning. It is visible in pilot projects, industry partnerships and international recognition.

Equal1’s recent progress is one example of that momentum. At the Global Physics Summit in Silicon Valley in March 2025, the company unveiled Bell-1, the “first-ever” Irish-made quantum computer and the “world first” silicon-based quantum server designed for data centres and high-performance computing.

The commercial signal strengthened further when the Irish government, through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, led a €60 million investment in Equal1. As Charlie Taylor noted in the Business Post, the move represents confidence not only in the company, but in the broader potential of quantum technology.

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FAQs: Quantum Technology

What is quantum technology?
Quantum technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics to enable advanced computing, secure communication and ultra-precise sensing.

What are the main types of quantum technology?
The main types of quantum technology are quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum simulation.

Which sectors can benefit from quantum technology?
Quantum technology can benefit finance, life sciences, communications, materials science, cybersecurity and healthcare.

How does quantum technology differ from traditional technology?
Quantum technology uses quantum effects such as superposition and entanglement, allowing new levels of speed, security and precision.

Which companies in Ireland are investing in quantum technologies?
Firms including Equal1, IBM, Mastercard, and Microsoft are helping advance Ireland’s quantum technologies ecosystem through research, partnerships and commercial innovation.