“SQuA, the new Spanish association set up to promote the national quantum technology ecosystem”
TECNALIA is one of the 53 founding members of the Spanish Quantum Alliance (SQuA), the new Spanish association set up to structure and promote the national quantum technology ecosystem
The partnership was officially unveiled in Bilbao during the Q-Expo 2026, one of the leading international quantum technology conferences in Europe. As a founding member, TECNALIA will play an active role in promoting applied research, technology transfer and industrial development in the three main areas of quantum science: quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing.
- The creation of SQuA is a strategic step towards strengthening Spain’s position in a field set to transform key sectors such as industry, cybersecurity, communications, healthcare, energy and finance.
- The association has been established in line with the future European strategy on quantum technologies and the Spanish Quantum Technologies Strategy 2025–2030.
An active role in the launch of SQuA
During the official launch of the alliance at Q-Expo 2026, Irene López de Vallejo, TECNALIA’s representative at SQuA, chaired one of the key sessions of the launch, “Quantum Sensing: The First Multi-Billion-Dollar Quantum Industry”, which brought together more than 80 representatives from the Spanish quantum ecosystem, including companies, technology centres, universities, public authorities and investors.
- Q-Expo was attended by leading figures from the sector, as well as representatives from the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
- The meeting discussed the next steps towards establishing a common strategy to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Spain.
A strategic opportunity for Europe and Spain
SQuA was established with the aim of coordinating and strengthening an ecosystem that is already renowned for its scientific, technological and industrial capabilities. The association will work in areas such as research and technology transfer, talent development, funding for startups and SMEs, establishing industrial roadmaps, European coordination, and the promotion of use cases with a real impact on the market.
The alliance brings together major corporations, specialised startups, universities, technology and research centres, industry associations and public institutions, uniting them around a shared vision: to make Spain one of Europe’s leading quantum technology hubs.
TECNALIA’s involvement as a founding member strengthens its commitment to the development of strategic technologies for industrial competitiveness, technological sovereignty and Europe’s digital transformation.