The Vienna Quantum Tech Days 2025 took place on October 2–3, 2025, at Vienna City Hall. Organized by the University of Vienna in cooperation with the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and the City of Vienna, the two-day event brought together about 150 leading figures from research, industry, startups, policy, funding agencies, and investment, to discuss advancements in quantum technologies, explore opportunities for collaboration, and identify what is needed to drive innovation and commercialization in Austria and beyond.
The opening words by Vice-Rector Ronald Maier of the University of Vienna and City Councillor Barbara Novak emphasized the importance of the event as a central platform for exchange between cutting-edge research and industry, in order to strengthen Vienna’s position in the context of quantum technologies.
The program featured a diverse mix of talks, panel discussions, and networking sessions, with over 50 speakers and contributors in total. Introductory keynotes by speakers from research institutions and quantum startups from across Austria outlined the current state and emerging opportunities of quantum technologies in Austria, focusing on the three technology pillars quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. Importantly, keynotes highlighted how established industries can become part of the quantum value chain, and where concrete opportunities for collaboration with startups exist. Other talks explored timely issues such as technological sovereignty and the intersections of quantum technologies with other fields such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, and defense.
Several expert panels, featuring startup founders, investors, academics, representatives from applied research institutions, industry, and policy, explored how Austria can further strengthen its position as a quantum nation, ranging from translating research results into market-ready technologies to building a supportive and connected ecosystem that includes education, infrastructure, and policy. International guests from leading European hubs, including Munich, Zürich, Copenhagen, Barcelona, and the Netherlands, shared best practices in ecosystem building and emphasized the importance of collaboration for creating a strong and sustainable European quantum community. Their insights provided valuable inspiration and role models for Austria’s next steps.
An important part of the program were pitch sessions, where national and international startups, researchers, and companies presented quantum use cases and projects. These sessions illustrated how quantum technologies are already finding practical applications today, countering the widespread misconception that quantum is still far from the market.
In conclusion, the Vienna Quantum Tech Days served as an important platform to raise awareness of the impact and potential of quantum technologies across different sectors. The event highlighted that this strategically vital field is rapidly advancing, and that Austria must move fast to build on its strengths. By learning from other European hubs and creating space for dialogue, the event helped lay the groundwork for new partnerships and collaborations that will continue to drive the growth of the quantum ecosystem.
We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors aws, FFG and the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (via the Quantum Austria initiative), the Vienna Business Agency, Photonics Austria, and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, for their generous support in making this event possible.
