Europe’s Quantum Power on Full Display at MWC 2025
Groundbreaking quantum cybersecurity took centre stage at MWC 2025, while VP Henna Virkkunen’s visit to the Flagship exhibit gave a significant boost to European leadership in this emerging technological space.
This year’s Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) has drawn to a close with a remarkable showcase of cutting-edge advancements in quantum technologies. Among the key highlights of the event was the Quantum Flagship exhibition, which showed Europe’s progress and leadership in cybersecurity, computing, and communications.
Attending the Flagship’s stand was the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, whose presence marked a significant endorsement of the EU Quantum space.
Visitors were able to see a demonstration of the latest novel Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, which Telefónica and LuxQuanta recently tested to secure communication between two hospitals in Madrid. Working with Vithas, LuxQuanta, and Qoolnet, Telefónica demonstrated how QKD could protect sensitive healthcare data from potential quantum computer attacks.
Hackers Get Reality Check
LuxQuanta’s QKD system leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure ultra-secure communication by generating encryption keys that are virtually impossible to intercept or decode. Protecting data in critical areas, such as finance, healthcare, and government communications, the startup’s second generation of its NOVA LQ® QKD system – which can render sensitive information virtually unbreakable – sent a clear message to hackers.
Several European companies, including QUBO, Quside, Welinq and ThinkQuantum, were also on show to represent the continent’s growing leadership in the quantum space, displaying their groundbreaking innovations in quantum communications and cryptography.
The companies exhibited their technologies, showcasing a full set of quantum computer chips, microchips, and photonic chips. On display were quantum communication racks and mock-ups of quantum computers – giving visitors a tangible understanding of how they work, how they can be integrated into current systems, and how these advancements can transform a wide range of industries.
Quantum Innovation Goes Global
Estimates indicate that 100,000 professional visitors and 1,500 exhibitors from 168 countries gathered at Fira Gran Via throughout the week.
With over 600 visitors from more than 30 countries, the Quantum Flagship exhibition showcased the international appeal of Europe’s quantum advancements. The stand attracted a global audience, including high-level delegations from China, Hong Kong, and Korea, as well as key European figures.
Notable attendees included Prof. Dong Sun, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry from Hong Kong; Prof. Guen-Suk Ko, President of Chungbuk Innovation Institute of Science and Technology from Korea; and representatives from the European Commission, Spanish Government, and Catalan Government, including MH Pere Aragonès, former President of Catalonia, Maria Galindo, Secretary of Digital Policies of the Government of Catalonia, and Josep Oriol Escardíbul, Secretary of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia. Ximo Puig, Ambassador of Spain to the OECD, and several representatives of ACCIÓ – Agency for Business Competitiveness, also visited the stand.
With a host of groundbreaking exhibitions from a number of EU countries, the Flagship’s Quantum Stand confirmed that the collaborative spirit of Europe’s quantum ecosystem is like nowhere else on Earth.
About Quantum Technologies in Europe
The Quantum Flagship is a 10-year initiative funded by the European Commission. It was launched in October 2018 to accelerate the development of quantum technologies and their transition to the market. The Flagship is currently in its second phase, coordinating seven large Framework Agreements (FPA) in Quantum Communications, Simulation, Computing, Testing and Pilot programs, comprising many leading academic and industrial partners from across Europe to collaborate on the future of quantum technology.
The goal is to consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area to make Europe a dynamic and attractive region for innovative research, business and investments in this field. More recently, Quantum Technologies have expanded to other European actions, e.g. within the Digital Europe Program (DEP), the European Innovation Council (EIC), and the forthcoming Chips Act. Quantum technologies are also supported by actions at the national level under the form of various National Quantum Initiatives.
