As the global economy enters a new era of exponential innovation, the rise of quantum technologies is poised to redefine the very fabric of entrepreneurship and investment. While artificial intelligence continues to disrupt industries and drive transformation, quantum computing represents the next seismic shift—one that will challenge the resilience, security, and adaptability of today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In this forward-looking article, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes and Prof. Dr. Inderjit Singh illuminate the urgent need for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to prepare for a quantum-powered future. From quantum-proofing digital assets to reimagining business models in the face of unprecedented computational power, their insights serve as a call to action: to build a future-ready innovation landscape that is not only sustainable but also secure in the face of radical technological change.
Authors:
Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes
Prof. Dr. Inderjit Singh
Introduction
The world is about to get disrupted again. While the AI portfolio has captured global attention by reshaping the global economy and trade, quantum computing is expected to be even more disruptive. As quantum computing, quantum simulation, and post-quantum encryption are rapidly advancing, governments and venture capitalists are significantly increasing their investments in quantum technologies. These advancements are not merely theoretical; they are shaping the foundation of the next global digital economy. The quantum era presents both immense opportunities and existential challenges for startups and scaleups. Entrepreneurs must innovate within quantum-related industries and ensure their business models, cybersecurity infrastructure, and digital assets are quantum-proof. As quantum technology becomes a dominant force over the coming decades, the need to develop and maintain a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem that is agile, secure, and embedded within the new quantum-driven global framework is critical.
Global Landscape
The global landscape for quantum technologies in 2025 reflects a strategic alignment among leading international institutions to harness quantum capabilities for economic resilience, digital sovereignty, and sustainable development. The United Nations (UN), has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, underscoring its transformative potential. The European Commission’s Quantum Strategy outlines Europe’s ambition to lead in quantum innovation by 2030. Concurrently, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) framed quantum technologies as pivotal for reshaping digital economies, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) explored their macroeconomic implications. The World Bank emphasized widening gaps in global quantum adoption, urging inclusive investment strategies. The National Institute for Science and Technology (NIS) has advanced quantum cryptographic resilience by selecting novel post-quantum algorithms. The World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighted quantum computing’s role in accelerating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Together, these perspectives reveal a consensus: quantum is no longer a future risk or opportunity—it is a present imperative. A globally coordinated, secure, and quantum-proof economic ecosystem is critical.
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize financial services. Quantum-secure digital identities could enhance access to government aid, social security benefits, and cross-border remittances, ensuring that vulnerable communities have secure and efficient access to financial services. The ability of quantum computing to process vast amounts of financial data will allow for a more equitable distribution of financial resources, further bridging the digital and economic divide. All players in the ecosystem should tap these new capabilities to create a more efficient and vibrant financing ecosystem.
As underscored by Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of the World Business Angel Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), “We stand at the precipice of the quantum era, the transformative potential of quantum technologies in reshaping financial inclusion is undeniable. Quantum computing and quantum-enhanced AI will unlock unprecedented efficiencies in financial services and enable increased access to financial ecosystems for startups and scaleups. These advancements align with the G20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) mission to leverage technological innovation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization emphasize the role of deep tech, including quantum, in fostering digital equity. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Union Commission have underscored the need for international cooperation to harness quantum computing’s potential responsibly. These investments aim to build quantum-ready economies, ensuring entrepreneurs and financial institutions benefit from this cutting-edge innovation. Entrepreneurship will be a critical driver in the quantum era. The WBAF Research Institute, WBAF Business School, and the WBAF Global Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Committee stand ready to support this evolution, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the quantum economy. By bridging the quantum divide and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, we can ensure that quantum technologies contribute to financial innovation, equitable access, and sustainable global development, reinforcing the UN 2030 and 2050 agendas.”
Why Quantum Matters for Startups and Scaleups
Quantum Computing and Business Transformation
Quantum computing will disrupt traditional computing paradigms, necessitating startups to rethink algorithms, machine learning models, and data analytics approaches. The ability to perform simulations and optimization at an unprecedented scale will enable businesses to develop previously impossible solutions. Startups leveraging quantum simulation for R&D in materials science, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence will gain significant market advantages. As quantum technology becomes more affordable, it will become easier for startups and smaller companies to adopt this new technology.
The Critical Role of Quantum Encryption
One of the most pressing concerns in the quantum era is cybersecurity. Quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption standards, posing a massive threat to businesses reliant on classical cryptographic protections. Startups and scaleups must prioritize post-quantum cryptography to safeguard their intellectual property, customer data, and financial transactions. Governments and regulatory bodies are already mandating quantum-resistant encryption to protect national security and economic stability, making it imperative for startups to adopt quantum-secure infrastructure early.
As of 2025, the global landscape for quantum cryptography patents is experiencing significant growth, reflecting the escalating importance of quantum technologies in secure communications. While precise figures for international patents in quantum cryptography are not readily available, the overall trend in quantum-related patents provides insight into the field’s expansion. According to the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), the number of issued quantum computing patents has been increasing year over year, with a notable 61% rise in 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge indicates a robust and rapidly expanding field of innovation within quantum technologies.
A recent report by The National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST) indicates that novel backup post-quantum encryption algorithms have been selected, offering a safeguard. A draft quantum-proof standard is expected within a year, with finalization by 2027. Startups and scaleups are especially vulnerable due to limited resources for cryptographic migration, making early adoption of quantum-resilient protocols essential to protect data, infrastructure, and investor trust in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Entrepreneurship as the Driving Engine for Quantum Innovation
Entrepreneurs are at the forefront of quantum innovation, pushing boundaries in quantum software, hardware, and applications. Unlike traditional enterprises, startups and scaleups are agile and capable of quickly adapting and deploying quantum solutions. Venture capitalists and government-backed initiatives increasingly fund quantum startups, recognizing that entrepreneurship is the key to commercializing and scaling quantum technologies. Startups and scaleups that align their innovation strategies with quantum advancements will be positioned to lead in this emerging landscape.
The Quantum Era – Talent and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
The rise of quantum technologies demands collaboration between governments, academia, and business leaders. Quantum research is capital-intensive, requiring public-private partnerships to drive innovation at scale. Governments are launching national quantum initiatives, while universities are pioneering quantum research programs. Startups and scaleups must actively engage with these stakeholders to access funding, infrastructure, and expertise. Establishing cross-industry quantum consortia will accelerate knowledge-sharing, policy development, and commercialization, ensuring that the quantum economy benefits a broad range of industries. Talent development and skills upgrading will be important areas that the whole ecosystem will need to focus on.
Quantum Computing and Financial Inclusion
One of the most transformative aspects of quantum computing is its potential to drive financial inclusion. By enabling ultra-fast and accurate financial modeling, optimizing lending decisions, and improving fraud detection, quantum technology can help banks and fintech startups offer better financial products to underserved populations. Furthermore, quantum-driven encryption will allow secure transactions in remote and underbanked regions, reducing barriers to financial access and promoting economic participation on a global scale. As the world transitions into a quantum-powered future, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in entrepreneurship will be crucial to bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable development.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Quantum-Proof Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The future of entrepreneurship is inseparable from quantum computing’s profound impact. As we progress toward attaining the United Nations’ 2030 and 2050 agendas, ensuring that startups and scaleups are quantum-proof is vital for maintaining economic stability and fostering global innovation. Sustainable entrepreneurship in the quantum era requires proactive investment in quantum cybersecurity, continuous adaptation to quantum computing advancements, and strategic collaboration across sectors.
Quantum-powered financial inclusion should play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that quantum innovation is a force for economic empowerment and global equity. By embedding quantum readiness into entrepreneurial ecosystems, we can build a future-proof, resilient digital economy aligned with the United Nations’ sustainability goals, ensuring technological progress benefits all of humanity.
References
European Commission. (2025). Quantum technologies in Europe. Digital Strategy. https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/quantum#:~:text=The%20potential%20of%20quantum%20is%20huge%2C%20and,cutting%20edge%20of%20quantum%20capabilities%20by%202030
International Monetary Fund. (2025). Knowledge Café – Quantum Horizons: Hype, apprehension and opportunity. https://www.imfconnect.org/content/imf/en/annual-meetings/calendar/open/2025/04/24/1852267.html?calendarCategory=T2ZmaWNpYWwvQnkgSW52aXRhdGlvbg%3D%3D.UHJlc3M%3D.V29ybGQgQmFuaw%3D%3D.T3Blbg%3D%3D
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2025). NIST selects HQC as fifth algorithm for post-quantum encryption. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/03/nist-selects-hqc-fifth-algorithm-post-quantum-encryption
OECD. (2025). Quantum technologies as a new paradigm for digital economies and societies. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/quantum-technologies-as-a-new-paradigm-for-digital-economies-and-societies_e6664d58-en.html
Quantum Economic Development Consortium. (2025). State of the quantum industry 2025. https://quantumconsortium.org/publications/stateofthequantumindustry2025/
UNESCO. (2025). International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. https://www.unesco.org/en/years/quantum-science-technology
World Bank. (2025). Overview: Digital finance. World Bank Digital. https://digitalfinance.worldbank.org/subtopics/overview-2
World Economic Forum. (2024, September 20). Quantum for society: Meeting the ambition of the SDGs. https://www.weforum.org/publications/quantum-for-society-fulfilling-the-promise-of-the-sdgs/
