Europe ranks second worldwide in Quantum Technology Patents:
Quantum Technologies are considered key future fields alongside technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotechnology – accordingly, innovation activity in this area is increasing significantly. Key application areas include high-performance Quantum Computers, secure Quantum Communication, and highly precise measurement methods in Quantum Sensing. These developments are based on the unique physical properties of Quantum Systems, which enable a wide range of technological applications. For a long time, the United States was far ahead of the rest of the world in this field.
As a recent analysis by the Deutsche Patent- und Markenamt (DPMA) shows, Germany and France have recently been able to significantly reduce their gap with the United States in Quantum Patents. The share of published patent applications from both countries rose to 195 last year, accounting for nearly a quarter (23.9 percent) of all applications in this field. In 2021, this figure was still 57, or 16.7 percent. Overall, the number of patent applications related to Quantum Technologies for the German market has increased almost sevenfold in recent years – a large proportion of these originate from research institutions and companies based in Germany. Quantum Computing developed particularly dynamically, with 361 applications, followed by Quantum Components (209) and Quantum Communication (174). Despite this progress, the United States remains in the lead, although its share has declined from 32.2 percent in 2021 to 20.5 percent. At the same time, Asian countries, in addition to Germany and France, are also expanding their activities in Quantum Technologies. In total, the number of patent applications has risen from 341 to 815 since 2021, with the United States, Germany, France, South Korea, and Japan among the key drivers.
It should be noted, however, that while the figures are an important indicator of innovation dynamics in research and industry, they do not reflect the most recent developments. Since patent applications are only published after a period of 18 months, the latest innovations are not yet included. Nevertheless, DPMA President Eva Schewior highlights the opportunities for Germany: “Even though the development certainly is only at an early stage, we are already seeing an immense innovative dynamism in Quantum Technology. With its excellent research institutions, strong industrial enterprises and innovative start-ups, Germany has enormous potential to co-shape crucial quantum technology innovations.” Click here for further information on the current DPMA analysis.
Soure references: https://www.fundresearch.de/amp/patentamt-europa-holt-in-der-quantentechnologie-auf-577448; https://www.dpma.de/english/services/public_relations/press_releases/16march2026/index.html