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.
