2025 was the year quantum went mainstream: experts predict what comes next

As the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) draws to a close, we wanted to reflect on the past 12 months and understand how the landscape is shifting in 2026.

2025 was the year quantum moved beyond theoretical milestones, and the discussion focused on the practicalities of scaling, commercial adoption, and the challenge of communicating complex breakthroughs to a global audience. As the Quantum Insider noted, “the year marked a broad shift in public and institutional awareness. Quantum moved beyond research labs and specialist circles, entering boardrooms, policy discussions, and mainstream coverage.”

But as mainstream awareness increased, so too did the hype. With a ‘breakthrough’ around every corner, distinguishing hype from reality became a key focus for journalists, while quantum PR and marketing strategies sought to balance generating excitement with unnecessary hyperbole.

So what will the next 12 months look like? We asked leading experts across the sector, spanning technology, business, engagement, and communication, to share their predictions for the year ahead.

Stuart Woods, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Innovation and Partnerships, NQCP: “Last year, we moved away from NISQ machines and only to fault-tolerant machines. We realised the extent of quantum outside of computing. This year, we will focus on the challenge around scale-up and manufacturability. New startups will focus on packaging, aligning, and building quantum components and equipment for scale. From optical chips to tools to instrumentation to cables – there is a focus on making, building, testing, and packaging our new quantum world. Separately, we will continue to see new currencies created as stocks – secondary sales of existing startup shares – and therefore, consolidation will accelerate with acquisitions.”

Claudia Fracchiolla, Head of Public Engagement, American Physical Society: “In 2025, the world gained broader awareness of quantum science and technology through the International Year of Quantum. In 2026, I anticipate the beginning of a shift from awareness to implementation, early moves toward building the systems that make quantum innovation more broadly accessible: education pathways, cross-border partnerships, interoperable standards, and responsible governance frameworks. These foundational elements will increasingly shape how the industry grows.

“Quantum technologies are advancing quickly, but ensuring that their benefits are not limited to a few well-resourced regions remains a central challenge. Meeting the rising demand for technicians, engineers, policy specialists, and educators will be key to translating quantum from research labs into practical applications.

“My hope is that the breakthrough of 2026 will be as much societal as technical: a sector-wide recognition that global coordination, inclusive workforce development, and trust-building with communities are essential to sustainable progress. After the IYQ, awareness is no longer the barrier; the priority becomes trust and shared responsibility.”

Alexander Jantzen, Co-founder and COO, Aquark Technologies: “2025 was a year of big announcements, breakthroughs in the underlying tech and in bringing quantum out of the lab. 2026 will see this trend continue, albeit without too much fanfare, as the focus shifts towards demonstrating real-world value. We will see more conversation around the use of quantum, rather than the technology’s potential. The year will be marked by growth for those who can capture this product market fit. It will also be a year of some trouble, as those who fundraised while interest was low will start to run tight on cash – meaning mergers, acquisitions and possibly administration are also on the cards. But this should not be mistaken for a struggling industry, as there will be more money available than there has been before.”

Stephanie Forrest, CEO & Founder, Think Feel Do (TFD): “Last year, our focus at TFD was helping the industry navigate the ‘noise’ by bridging the gap between hype and reality to ensure technical accuracy didn't get lost in the excitement. As we move into 2026, the challenge for communicators evolves. The narrative is shifting from 'what is possible' to 'what is happening.' We expect to see a surge in tangible use cases and storytelling that prioritises social and commercial proof. Especially in the UK, we need to start articulating the real-world value of our quantum capabilities that attract long-term investment and global partnerships.”

As the IYQ concludes, the industry shows no signs of slowing its momentum. With governments around the world continuing to commit billions in funding and global M&As creating an evolving market, 2026 promises to be another defining year. We look forward to seeing which of these predictions move from the roadmap to the real world over the next twelve months.

To learn more about TFD’s quantum tech PR services and to discuss how we can increase engagement for your organisation, please get in touch.