TOKYO — The quantum industry has entered a new phase.
At Q2B Tokyo 2026, the world’s leading conference focused on the commercialization of quantum technologies, the conversation was no longer centered on whether quantum computing will work. Instead, leaders focused on a more immediate question: how to create value from quantum breakthroughs.
Held June 4-5 in Tokyo, the conference attracted more than 800 participants—making it the largest Q2B gathering since the series launched in 2017. Organized by QC Ware and co-hosted by Quemix, this year’s theme, “The Roadmap to Quantum Value in Asia and Beyond,” reflected the industry’s growing emphasis on commercialization, investment, and real-world applications.
From Quantum Science to Quantum Value
The conference showcased how the industry is moving beyond research and into deployment.
Sessions explored applications in artificial intelligence, drug discovery, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, finance, logistics, and materials discovery. Across sectors, the focus was less on scientific milestones and more on how quantum technologies can solve practical problems and create economic value.
The concept of “quantum value” emerged as a defining theme—signaling a shift away from technical hype toward measurable outcomes for governments, businesses, and society.
A Global Industry Takes Shape
While hosted in Tokyo, Q2B demonstrated that quantum has become a truly global industry.
Participants traveled from across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, representing major technology companies, startups, universities, government agencies, and investment firms.
That global reach was reflected on the conference’s venture capital panel, which featured investors from multiple regions helping shape the next generation of quantum companies. Among them were Dr. Owen Lozman, Managing Partner of Copenhagen-based 55 North, and Team Tan, Partner for Venture Building & Investment at Singapore-based QAI Ventures.
Their participation highlighted a broader trend: the quantum ecosystem is increasingly being built through international collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and governments. From Copenhagen to Singapore, specialized investors are emerging to help quantum companies navigate the path from breakthrough science to commercial adoption.
Governments and Investors Are Paying Attention
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the growing alignment between governments, industry, and capital.
Countries around the world are investing billions of dollars into quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum security technologies, viewing them as strategic capabilities with implications for economic competitiveness and national security.
At the same time, investors are increasingly looking for companies capable of turning quantum innovation into scalable businesses. Firms such as 55 North and QAI Ventures represent a growing class of ecosystem builders helping connect promising technologies with capital, customers, and strategic partners.
Much like artificial intelligence a decade ago, quantum is entering a period where technical progress, government support, and private capital are beginning to converge.
The Road to Quantum Value Continues in Copenhagen
The momentum from Tokyo will continue this September when Q2B arrives in Copenhagen for the first time. Scheduled for September 9-10 at Øksnehallen, Q2B Copenhagen will bring the conference’s focus on quantum commercialization to one of Europe’s fastest-growing quantum hubs.
The event’s partners reflect the growing significance of the Nordic quantum ecosystem. Among them are the Novo Nordisk Foundation, widely regarded as the world’s largest philanthropic foundation by assets, and 55 North, the world’s largest venture capital fund exclusively dedicated to the quantum technology stack.
Together, they represent two forces increasingly shaping the future of quantum innovation: long-term institutional capital and specialized venture investment. While governments continue to fund foundational research, organizations such as the Novo Nordisk Foundation and 55 North are helping accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into companies, products, and real-world applications.
For many attendees in Tokyo, the Copenhagen edition will serve as the next major gathering point for a global industry increasingly focused on commercialization, investment, and impact. As the race to create quantum value accelerates, Copenhagen is emerging as one of the key cities where that future is being built.
Why This Matters
The most important takeaway from Q2B Tokyo may be that quantum is no longer simply a scientific story.
It is becoming an economic story, a national security story, and increasingly, a geopolitical story.
The technologies being developed today could shape the future of computing, cybersecurity, energy systems, materials science, healthcare, and industrial productivity.
The quantum revolution is still in its early stages. But as the record attendance at Q2B Tokyo demonstrated, the world’s governments, investors, and technology leaders are no longer asking whether quantum matters.
They are asking how quickly they can participate in building its future.
And increasingly, that future is being shaped not only in laboratories, but also in boardrooms, investment committees, and global forums—from Tokyo to Copenhagen and beyond.
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