The European Union has made a significant move in the quantum tech world by investing $160 million into a UK-based company, Quantum Motion. This is the EU’s first major late-stage funding commitment after Brexit, reflecting a renewed focus on strategic tech areas like quantum computing. The investment marks a big step for European tech, especially in the hardware side of quantum research.

Quantum Motion’s Unique Approach to Quantum Computing

Quantum Motion is based in London and was founded in 2017 by professors from University College London and Oxford. What sets this company apart is its focus on building qubits using standard silicon-CMOS technology—the same process used in everyday semiconductors. This approach aims to make quantum chips easier to produce at scale, unlike other systems that rely on custom-made parts like superconducting circuits or trapped ions.

While silicon-based qubits are slower to develop than some other types, they have the advantage of being more compatible with existing manufacturing industry. This could lead to easier, more cost-effective production in the future. Over the past year, Quantum Motion has made significant progress, including delivering a full-stack silicon-CMOS quantum computer to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre in September 2025. This was described as the first complete system of its kind.

Major Milestones and Future Potential

In November 2025, the company advanced to a key stage called QBI Stage B, recognized by DARPA—one of the top US defense research agencies. Only 11 companies worldwide reached this level, confirming that Quantum Motion’s fault-tolerant silicon design is credible for building practical quantum computers by the 2030s. Prior to this, the company had raised modest funding, including a £42 million Series B round in 2023 led by Bosch Ventures and Porsche.

The recent $160 million funding round not only doubles the company’s total capital but also signals strong investor confidence in silicon-based quantum tech. This investment is part of a broader EU strategy to close the gap with the US in late-stage tech funding. The EU’s new Scaleup Europe Fund is designed to support innovative companies like Quantum Motion, especially in advanced fields like quantum computing, which are seen as crucial for future technological sovereignty.

This move highlights the EU’s perception of quantum hardware as a key strategic area. It also aligns with other recent European quantum funding efforts, such as a €152 million round for QuantWare and a €57 million Series A for eleQtron. The focus on late-stage funding shows that European investors are now backing companies to scale their technologies and bring them closer to market readiness, competing more directly with US-based quantum leaders.

While Quantum Motion has demonstrated credible technical progress and delivered key systems, it still faces the challenge of building commercial-scale, utility-ready quantum computers. The EU’s investment aims to support this next phase. The company’s timeline targets the 2030s for practical, fault-tolerant machines, but the coming 18 to 24 months will be critical. Success here could position European quantum hardware as a serious contender in the global race.

Inspired by

• https://thenextweb.com/news/quantum-motion-160m-eu-scaleup-europe-fund-first-investment

Sources

• bloomberg.com
• europa.eu