Quantum Flagship at Q-Expo 2026: meet the people shaping quantum technology in Bilbao
The global quantum community will gather in Bilbao on 18–19 May 2026 for Q-Expo 2026, bringing together key players from across Europe and around the world. The event offers a space where research meets industry and policymakers, reflecting the shift from scientific breakthroughs to real-world applications.
Organised by the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) and hosted by the Government of Bizkaia, Q-Expo welcomes industry leaders, start-ups, investors, researchers and policymakers. Across two days, the exhibition will showcase emerging solutions, connect participants with technology providers and create opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
Designed for a broad audience, from domain experts to those exploring quantum technologies for the first time, the programme includes plenary sessions and panel discussions, alongside dedicated networking activities.
Quantum Flagship at Q-Expo 2026
The Quantum Flagship supports the development of quantum technologies across Europe and their transition towards practical applications. Its presence at Q-EXPO (as both sponsor and exhibitor) highlights the importance of closer links between research, industry and policy in this phase of development.
Visit our stand to meet the team, explore the Flagship's latest activities, discover open opportunities, and learn more about the European quantum ecosystem.
QOMPASS: a new phase of coordination
Q-EXPO 2026 will also mark the launch of QOMPASS (2026–2029), a new coordination initiative within the Quantum Flagship to advance the European quantum ecosystem.
The project will support the implementation of Europe's quantum strategy and prepare the governance framework for the Quantum Act, the proposed EU legislation aimed at positioning Europe as a global leader in quantum technology while addressing economic, ethical and security challenges. Strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty remains a key objective.
Join us in Bilbao
Q-EXPO offers a space to connect with key players across the quantum community and explore current developments in the field.
Dr. Darío Gil — Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy James Appathurai — Deputy Assistant Secretary General (Strategy & Policy for Cyber & Digital Transformation), NATO Kilian Gross — Director, DG CONNECT (European Commission) Daniel Opalka — Head of Unit Research & Innovation, EuroHPC JU Constantijn Van Oranje — Special Envoy, Techleap Stephanie Wehner — Director, European Quantum Internet Alliance Sofia Vallecorsa — Coordinator, CERN Quantum Technology Initiative Celia Merzbacher — Executive Director, QED-C Thierry Botter — Executive Director, QuIC European Quantum Industry Consortium Olivier Tonneau — Partner, Quantonation
Andre König — CEO, Quantum Global Intelligence Andrea Fogueiras — Global CTIO, Telefónica Conor Bradley — CTO, Delft Networks Dr. Brad Dongho Kim — CQO, Megazone Cloud; Vice Chairperson, KQIA Eva Martin Fierro — Head of Innovation, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech Fanny Bouton — Quantum, AI & Open Innovation Lead, OVHcloud Hiro Mori — Chair, Global Consortium Alliances Working Group, Q-STAR Irene Lopez Del Vallejo — Head of Business Development, TECNALIA Jelena Zelenovic — Senior Cybersecurity Executive (EU Institutions) Jing Yan Haw — Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore Julian Rabbie — Sr. Strategy Advisor Quantum Technology, TNO Kyriaki Minoglou — Head of Division, European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC) Mael Flament — CTO, Qunnect Margaux Miller — Day Host Mayra Van Houts — Head of Strategy, Quantum Delta NL Mira Wolf-Bauwens — Head of Initiatives Development, GESDA Nerea Martiartu — CEO, Lantik Samuele Grandi — CEO, ARQ Sara Ibanez — CSO, Qubiz.Team Thierry Debuisschert — Senior Expert, Thales Research & Technology Thomas Strohm — Chief Expert for Quantum Technologies, Bosch Research Tom Darras — CEO, Welinq Tomek Schulz — COO & Co-Founder, kiutra
