Full Breakdown
Oxford Quantum Circuits Launches Largest Quantum Computing Centre in Southern Europe
6/20/2026, 11:59:47 AM
Background: Barcelona’s Quantum Ecosystem
Barcelona has positioned itself as a European capital for quantum technology. The city’s scientific infrastructure includes the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), a key node of the EuroHPC programme, and a well-established high-performance-computing network. The Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation 2024-2027 emphasizes public-private governance and aims to consolidate an economy based on knowledge, sustainability and technological innovation.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
- Gerald Mullally, CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) – leads the company’s expansion into the EU.
- Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia – hosted the launch event.
- Miquel Sàmper, Minister of Business and Labor (Catalonia).
- Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona.
- Ángela Pérez, President and CEO of Cofides (public-private management company).
- Josep Lluís Sanfeliu, Executive Committee member of Barcelona Global.
Investment, Jobs, and Timeline
- Financial commitment: €92 million, funded partly by Cofides’ €46 million contribution from the Co-investment Fund (FOCO).
- Employment: Creation of 210 jobs over five years, described in one source as “more than 200 highly qualified jobs.”
- Construction: Groundbreaking slated for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.
- Global footprint: OQC, headquartered in the United Kingdom with 150 staff, already operates subsidiaries in the United States and Japan.
Official Statements & Responses
Catalan President Illa affirmed that OQC “has chosen well,” linking the decision to Catalonia’s history of collaborative milestones between public authorities and the private sector. Mullally highlighted Barcelona’s “balance of talent, ecosystem and international connectivity,” positioning the centre as a catalyst for next-generation quantum computers. Pérez projected a €275 million economic impact over five years, emphasizing that the partnership “goes beyond financial support” to develop Europe’s digital capabilities. Deputy Mayor Valls thanked OQC for its “trust” in settling in Barcelona, while Sanfeliu described a “virtuous circle” where scientific excellence drives infrastructure, which in turn attracts companies and talent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Barcelona is our preferred location because it offers the best balance of talent, ecosystem and international connectivity.” — Gerald Mullally, CEO, OQC
- “We are sowing the seed of a giant leap.” — Salvador Illa, President, Generalitat of Catalonia
- “goes beyond financial support, and must contribute to developing the technology and digital capabilities that will shape the future of Europe.” — Ángela Pérez, President & CEO, Cofides
- “Barcelona and Catalonia provide us with something essential: talent, research strength, and the energy to turn ambition into execution.” — Gerald Mullally, CEO, OQC
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact job count: one cites “more than 200” positions, while another specifies “210 jobs.” The investment amount (€92 million) appears only in the second source; the first source does not mention a monetary figure. Details on the centre’s specific research agenda and the timeline for operational readiness beyond construction start are not provided.
Implications for Europe’s Quantum Landscape
The centre will be OQC’s first EU infrastructure and its inaugural global development-and-manufacturing site. By integrating with Barcelona’s existing research institutions, the hub aims to accelerate quantum-computing applications in artificial intelligence, finance, healthcare and energy, reinforcing Europe’s strategic competitiveness in deep-technology sectors.
Upcoming Milestones
- Commencement of construction in Q4 2026.
- Progressive hiring to meet the 210-job target within five years.
- Activation of design and production facilities for quantum computers, with anticipated collaborations across regional universities and industry partners.
