A recent update of the global quantum technology (QT) mapping shows that the industry now includes 1,092 companies founded with a QT focus, 935 of which remain active. The new dataset incorporates private and public sources, archived web pages, and information on mergers, acquisitions, valuations, and sector involvement, and confirms that company formation continued after the 2018 high point identified in earlier work.

Researchers gathered data primarily in August and September 2026 and performed additional checks up to 2 November 2026. They began with an existing QT stakeholder list, added entries from directories, investor portfolios, university spin‑outs, publications, and policy documents, and verified each company’s status through public records.

Annual analyses reveal that 593 companies were founded between 2021 and 2025, with an additional 66 announced in 2026. These figures demonstrate sustained growth across all six core quantum fields represented in the study.

The authors caution that public evidence is uneven across countries, languages, and company types. Consequently, some recently founded companies or changes in activity may remain unreported, and discovery delays can affect earlier cohorts.

Visuals

Figure 1 – Annual company foundations in 2022 versus the updated cohort (2026 data) illustrates the ongoing addition of QT firms beyond the previously noted 2018 peak.