Our colleague, Irene López de Vallejo participated in the round table "Building the future with Quantum"
Experts from different organisations focus on a shared challenge: moving towards industrial adoption that generates real impact
During the tenth edition of Inspiring Women Leaders in the Digital Era, held in Bilbao, our colleague Irene López de Vallejo participated in the round table "Building the future with Quantum": a dialogue with Esther Gallego Estévez, Almudena Justo Martínez and Nerea Martiartu, moderated by Pilar Troncoso and presented by Aitor Bergara.
Irene explained that Quantum Computing consolidated its strategic position in 2025. However, the challenge in 2026 is to deploy operational and repeatable solutions.
- To do so, she highlighted three key conditions: a clear business case with defined indicators, integrated industrialisation from day one and a coordinated ecosystem with clear roles.
- If any of these elements is missing, there is a risk of falling into technology tourism, initiatives without continuity or impact.
From initiative to industrial deployment
The intervention highlighted the need to focus on the critical step between a pilot and its actual integration into industry. Irene pointed out that adoption is not a PoC, but its survival in the operating environment. This requires integrating cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, traceability, maintenance and controlled costs. She proposed measuring progress in the sector with a simple indicator: how many solutions are still working six months later and the improvements they generate.
Combining skills as a winning strategy
Irene pointed out that the most robust approach in Quantum Computing is to combine quantum and classic algorithms. This hybrid approach generates measurable improvements in real processes and reduces the uncertainty associated with emerging technologies. She insisted on focusing less on the epic and more on the engineering: what can be scaled is what fits.
Diversity and leadership for innovation with impact
At an event dedicated to female leadership in the digital era, Irene argued that diversity in decision-making is key to responsible and effective technology adoption.
- She called for more female scientists to lead initiatives, budgets and technology deployments.
- TECNALIA works to promote this leadership and to turn technological research into prosperity, strengthening a more resilient and competitive industry.
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