Quantum Computing and AI Boom: Inside the High-Stakes Tech Race | Bloomberg Tech: Europe 2/13/2026

The global race for quantum computing dominance is accelerating, with venture capital pouring into startups as investors bet on transformative potential in drug discovery, AI, cybersecurity, finance, and defense. Practical quantum applications remain years away, raising questions about whether the technology can justify its hype despite exponential processing power promises and high-stakes industry interest. Europe faces fierce competition from the US and China in quantum commercialization, with policymakers and CEOs debating whether the region can secure a leading role amid rapid global advancement. Leading founders highlight roadblocks to commercialization, including hardware limitations, error correction challenges, and the need for cross-sector collaboration to bridge the gap between research and real-world use. The episode underscores quantum’s dual role as a scientific breakthrough and geopolitical battleground, where early dominance could redefine economic and military power for decades.