Guest commentary: Germany is endangering its lead in quantum computing

Quantum computers will reorganize industries: McKinsey's Quantum Technology Monitor estimates the value potential for pharmaceuticals and chemicals alone to be several hundred billion dollars by 2035. Where this added value is created is not decided by the best research alone, but by the strongest and fastest ecosystem.

The USA has understood this - and wants to leave the rest of the world behind in quantum technologies. With two executive orders in June 2026, Donald Trump set the government machinery in motion: securing supply chains, defining standards, recruiting skilled workers and purchasing quantum computers.

The short deadlines are crucial in the international race: In the USA, the Ministry of Energy defines the specification of the planned quantum computer and the Ministry of Commerce a supply chain plan within 90 days. Within 120 days there will be a joint plan for the development of key quantum technology components in the US from the Departments of War, Commerce and Energy as well as from NSF, an independent federal agency that promotes science and research. A total of 180 days for the new strategy.

This is much more than an administrative act: an ecosystem is being strategically created that will become a successful industry. The US government is doing what European deep tech start-ups have wanted for years: the state is creating reliable framework conditions and mobilizing private capital as an anchor customer and investor. It doesn't replace the market, it accelerates it. China has also long linked technology, state and capital.