The impact of quantum computing on everyday life and business competitiveness

    14 April 2026

    ETEKIN

    “We analyse the real impact of quantum computing on companies”

    A space for reflection on technology and competitiveness

    The Aquarium in San Sebastian hosted the first of the ETEKIN 2026 series of economic meetings, an event that brought together representatives from the business, financial and technology sectors with a shared aim: to understand how quantum computing will transform everyday life and the competitiveness of companies.

    • These meetings are organised by the Basque Government, the Basque Finance Institute, ABANCA Bank, CaixaBank, Kutxabank, LABORAL Kutxa, Rural Kutxa and the Basque Association of Economists
    • The event, entitled How will quantum computing change our everyday lives?, looked at the current state of this emerging technology and its medium- and long-term prospects in strategic sectors such as industry, finance, cybersecurity and process optimisation.

    Our contribution: from technology to industrial value

    Joseba Laka, TECNALIA’s Digital Director, focused on a key message for the business community: the true value of quantum computing lies in its practical application.

    • As we highlighted during the conference, the opportunity does not only lie in the technology, but also in how it is strategically integrated into industry, just as it was with traditional digitalisation.
    • Advanced applications, new market positions and specific use cases will be the key to gaining a competitive edge in the coming years.

    The Basque Country as an important part of the quantum ecosystem

    The speakers agreed on the opportunity that this represents for the Basque Country to position itself as a key player in developing quantum computing. The recent installation of the IBM Quantum System Two in San Sebastian supports this goal and lays the foundations for building an ecosystem that attracts talent, promotes technological sovereignty and has a positive economic and social impact.

    TECNALIA is actively contributing to this ecosystem through applied research initiatives and collaborations with other companies, aimed at translating quantum potential into practical solutions that improve decision-making, energy efficiency and the design of new materials.

    Knowledge sharing and business connections

    The event concluded with a networking session that encouraged the exchange of ideas and helped to strengthen professional relationships between attendees, cementing ETEKIN’s position as a leading forum for anticipating major technological and economic challenges.

    This first event, entitled How will quantum computing change our everyday lives?, marked the start of its tour of the Basque capitals.

    The next meeting will take place on 17 June in Vitoria-Gasteiz and will tackle one of the main social and economic challenges: housing.