OQC Launches Major EU Quantum Hub in Barcelona

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a prominent UK-based quantum computing firm, has selected Barcelona as the site for its inaugural European quantum computing center. This significant development marks OQC's first physical presence within the European Union and establishes its sole global hub for quantum computer development and manufacturing. The strategic initiative represents a substantial investment of €92 million and is projected to generate 210 high-skilled jobs over the next five years, bolstering Spain's position in the advanced technology sector.

The new facility, christened the “OQC Global Quantum Development & Manufacturing Centre,” will be instrumental in designing, developing, and producing next-generation quantum computers. These advanced systems are anticipated to drive innovation across critical industries such as artificial intelligence, finance, healthcare, and energy. The center will feature state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, administrative offices, and a dedicated technical assembly and integration area, facilitating applied R&D, industrialization, system integration, and quantum engineering testing.

This expansion into Barcelona underscores the city and the broader Catalonia region's growing importance within Europe's quantum ecosystem and innovation landscape. OQC, which originated as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, aims to attract top-tier talent and cutting-edge technology, solidifying the region as a key destination for strategic technological projects and enhancing European competitiveness and technological sovereignty in this crucial field.

The establishment of this center is supported by a coordinated effort from various Spanish entities. The Generalitat de Catalunya, through its business growth agency ACCIÓ, the Spanish State via the Co-Investment Fund (FOCO) managed by COFIDES, the Barcelona Investment Office of the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, and Barcelona & Partners, the investment attraction agency of Barcelona Global, have all played a role in facilitating OQC's move.

This strategic expansion follows OQC's recent successful completion of a €300 million Series C funding round, the largest of its kind for a European quantum computing company. Notably, COFIDES participated in this funding round, contributing €46 million through its Co-Investment Fund (FOCO). This investment highlights the growing investor confidence in the quantum computing sector and Spain's potential as a hub for such advanced technologies.

Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC, expressed that Barcelona offers an optimal blend of talent, a supportive ecosystem, and international connectivity, making it the ideal location for their global development and manufacturing center. He emphasized the ambition to build the quantum infrastructure essential for advanced economies in the coming years. The project is slated to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Spanish government views this development as a significant validation of Spain's emergence as a leading European destination for high-value technological investments. The creation of well-compensated, qualified employment and the modernization of the Spanish economy are key anticipated benefits, reinforcing quantum computing as a sector where Spain can compete at the international technological forefront.