The British company Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) has chosen Barcelona to open its new quantum computing centre, which will become the largest in Southern Europe. This ambitious project, representing an investment of €92 million, will generate 210 jobs over the next five years and marks OQC's first presence in the European Union.
A milestone for technological innovation
The new ‘OQC Global Quantum Development & Manufacturing Centre’ will be dedicated to research and development, as well as the manufacturing of quantum computers. This facility will not only meet the growing demand in sectors such as artificial intelligence, finance, health, and energy, but will also position Barcelona as a key player within the European quantum innovation ecosystem.
The establishment of the centre has the coordinated support of the Catalan Government through ACCIÓ, as well as the Spanish State via COFIDES and the Barcelona City Council. According to the First Vice President of the Spanish Government, Carlos Cuerpo, “OQC's choice of Barcelona demonstrates that Spain is becoming a hub for quantum technology.”
Cuerpo added that “with its arrival, our productive fabric is strengthened and qualified jobs are generated.”
The CEO of OQC, Gerald Mullally, highlighted that “Barcelona is our preferred location because it provides the best balance between talent, ecosystem, and international connectivity.” This approach underscores OQC's strategic intentions to build the necessary quantum infrastructure for advanced economies.
The opening of the centre will not only attract significant investments but also highly qualified talent. The President and CEO of COFIDES, Ángela Pérez, emphasized that such projects are fundamental to strengthening Spain's technological and industrial positioning. Additionally, Josep Lluís Sanfeliu, an executive member of Barcelona Global, stated that this initiative represents an important step towards building the European ecosystem in deep tech and quantum computing.
Sanfeliu mentioned: “The arrival of OQC is crucial to leverage our strengths in research and innovation.”
Deputy Mayor Jordi Valls also positively evaluated this development, stating that “projects like OQC's demonstrate that Barcelona is a leading player in the quantum revolution,” thus consolidating its status as a scientific and technological hub.
As the anticipated opening approaches in late 2026, expectations are high. The Catalan President Salvador Illa emphasized: “When Catalonia sets its mind to it and we work together, we are unstoppable,” reaffirming his commitment to Europe and highlighting local scientific potential.
Illa concluded by saying: “We must work towards a European model that generates prosperity.”
As this strategic project for OQC and Catalonia progresses, it is clear that this investment will not only transform the local technological landscape but will also significantly contribute to regional economic development. With a current global workforce of around 150 employees and an established international presence in the United States and Japan, OQC is well-positioned to lead significant advancements in quantum computing from its new Barcelona headquarters.
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