17.06.2026
QUTAC marked its fifth anniversary with a two-day celebration dedicated to reflection, exchange and the future of industrial quantum computing.
On 10 and 11 June 2026, QUTAC brought together members, founders and partners to celebrate five years of collaboration in the quantum computing ecosystem. What began in 2021 as a consortium of leading companies with a clear industrial focus has developed into a strong platform for exchange, application-oriented collaboration, and shared thought leadership.
From a shared conviction to a strong industrial network
Five years ago, ten leading companies came together around a shared conviction that quantum computing would become a transformative technology, and that industry needs a strong, collaborative voice to help shape its development and adoption. Since then, QUTAC has grown into a unique network that connects industrial perspectives, supports the development of use cases and contributes to a sovereign quantum computing ecosystem in Germany and Europe.
The anniversary was therefore more than a moment of celebration. It was also an opportunity to look back at what has been achieved together, to recognize the value of ongoing dialogue and to ask what the next chapter of QUTAC should look like.
Two days of exchange, reflection and open discussion
The first day of the anniversary programme was dedicated to celebrating the milestone together. QUTACies gathered for a networking BBQ dinner, aimed at creating space for personal exchange, shared memories and conversations about the journey of QUTAC so far. The highlight of the evening was the keynote by Reinhard Ploss that offered an opportunity to reflect on the origins of the consortium, its role in the wider quantum landscape and the ambitions that continue to guide its work.
Rather than relying on prepared speeches alone, the event was designed as an open conversation. Participants were invited to react to what they had heard, share their own perspectives and engage directly with one another. Three guiding questions framed the discussions: What memory, achievement or milestone would not have happened without QUTAC? What should the consortium aim to achieve in quantum computing over the next years? And how can QUTAC remain relevant, impactful and effective as the quantum ecosystem continues to evolve?
The second day built on these reflections and turned them into input for the future. In an open live discussion format, we explored the value QUTAC can create for its members and for the wider ecosystem, the breakthroughs in quantum computing that industry is still waiting for, and the ways in which the consortium should continue to evolve in the years ahead.
Looking toward the next five years
The discussions made clear that the value of QUTAC lies not only in technical progress, but also in the ability to bring the right people together around shared challenges. Quantum computing is developing quickly, and the coming years will be decisive for translating potential into practical industrial applications. For QUTAC, this means continuing to strengthen collaboration, share expertise and support the development of applications that can contribute to Germany’s and Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Founded on 10 June 2021 by BASF, BMW Group, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bosch, Infineon Technologies, Merck, Munich Re, SAP, Siemens and Volkswagen Group, QUTAC set out to translate the fundamentals of quantum computing into real industrial applications. Since then, Deutsche Telekom, Lufthansa Industry Solutions, TRUMPF and Airbus have joined the consortium, expanding the network and its range of industrial perspectives.
Five years in, one thing remains clear: the most important progress often starts with conversation. QUTAC thanks everyone who joined the anniversary celebration, contributed their perspectives and helped shape the discussion about what comes next. The first five years have built a strong foundation. Now, the most exciting chapter is the one ahead.