Quantum computing has reached the German industry. At least in theory. The new study “Quantencomputing in der deutschen Wirtschaft 2026” by Bitkom, shows that every surveyed company is aware of the technology. Around 80% consider it important for the economy, and two-thirds see opportunities for their own business. Yet only 8% are actively working with it. This gap between awareness and action is the real issue.
Quantum computing is often framed as a future topic. In reality, early applications already exist. Unlike classical computers, which process problems step by step, quantum computers can evaluate many possibilities at once. This makes them suitable for complex tasks such as:
Quantum computing does not replace existing systems. It complements them in areas where classical methods reach their limits.
The low level of adoption is not due to a lack of interest. It reflects structural barriers identified in the recent Bitkom study. According to the survey, the biggest obstacle is a shortage of skilled workers: 65% of companies say they lack the necessary talent. Closely behind, 61% point to regulatory uncertainty, while the same share considers the technology not yet mature enough for broad use. In addition, more than half of the respondents say they lack a clear overview of available providers and concrete applications. Taken together, these factors do not block adoption entirely, but they slow decision-making and delay first steps.
According to Bitkom, 69% of German companies call for funded pilot projects, structured tests on real industrial problems with clear success criteria. The focus is on validating use cases under real conditions, not on open-ended research. At the same time, 67% say they need easier access to quantum systems. For many, especially mid-sized industrial firms, cloud-based platforms are the only viable way to experiment without investing in hardware. Finally, half of the respondents point to the need for concrete examples from their own industry. The potential of quantum computing is widely understood. What is missing are proven use cases that show how it works in practice.
The consequences are visible across the market. Companies prefer to wait for other firms to gain experience before taking action themselves. This creates a self-reinforcing dynamic: if most companies wait, practical experience remains limited. Without real-world examples, uncertainty persists. Quantum computing is in a transitional phase. It is not yet widely deployed, but it is mature enough for real experimentation. This is where early advantages are formed. The international context adds pressure. The United States and China are investing heavily. The European Union aims to become a leading quantum hub by 2030. For companies, the trade-off is clear: Waiting reduces short-term risk, but increases the likelihood of falling behind.
One way to address this gap is through venture clienting. The model allows companies to test emerging technologies in collaboration with startups under real conditions. Organizations such as ExciteLab aim to facilitate these early-stage collaborations by connecting corporates with (quantum) startups and supporting pilot projects.