Patent Office: Europe catches up in quantum technology - Europe closes in on U.S. dominance in quantum technology race
Europe is narrowing the gap in quantum technology, a field long dominated by the United States. New patent data shows Germany and France making rapid progress, with their combined share of global filings rising sharply. This shift comes as the total number of quantum patents worldwide more than doubled between 2021 and 2025.
For years, the U.S. led quantum technology by a wide margin. But by 2025, its share of published patent applications had fallen to 20.5%, down from a far larger lead in previous years. Meanwhile, Germany and France together accounted for 195 filings—nearly a quarter of the global total—up from just 57 in 2021.
Quantum technology covers three main areas: high-performance computing, encryption-resistant communication, and ultra-precise measurement via quantum sensing. The overall number of patents in these fields surged from 341 in 2021 to 815 in 2025. Germany's DPMA President Eva Schewior highlighted the country's strengths, pointing to world-class research, strong industries, and innovative startups. While no single German firm has emerged as a clear leader, European players like Finland's IQM and France's Pasqal are gaining ground. IQM has sold 21 quantum systems worldwide, while Pasqal—founded in 2019—has delivered seven neutral-atom quantum computers and plans a Nasdaq listing. Both firms now rank among the top commercial providers, though they still trail U.S. competitors like IonQ and Rigetti. By 2025, the top five countries for quantum patents were the U.S., Germany, South Korea, Japan, and France. Europe's progress suggests a shifting balance in this critical technological race.
The latest figures confirm Europe's growing role in quantum innovation. Germany and France now hold nearly a quarter of all quantum patents, while the U.S. share continues to shrink. With rising investment and key players like Pasqal and IQM expanding, the region is positioning itself as a major force in the next generation of computing and communication.
