Quantum Index Report 2026 (arXiv (Cornell University))

Summary

• Total global quantum funding nearly quadrupled in a single year to a record $10.9 billion in 2025, heavily driven by post-IPO financing and late venture rounds.p.10
• China filed 9,790 quantum technology patents in 2025, exceeding the combined filings of the United States, WIPO, the European Patent Office, and Japan.p.26
• The U.S. Department of Defense spending on quantum technology awards reached a record $285.3 million in 2025 as quantum moved into the defense arena.p.10
• The number of commercially available quantum processing units (QPUs) increased from 40 to 56 within a single year, with the U.S. leading with 23 QPUs.p.11

Key insights

1. China filed more quantum computing patents in 2025 than the US, WIPO, EPO, and Japan combined.p.10
2. Quantum technology funding reached an all-time high of $10.9 billion in 2025.p.10
3. The United States retains the highest H-index score of 93 in quantum computing academic research.p.41
4. China holds top global rankings across output, influence, and citation impact in quantum communications research.p.10
5. US Department of Defense quantum award spending reached $285.3 million in 2025.p.10
6. National quantum policies in 2025 and 2026 prioritized sovereign capabilities, procurement, and commercialization.p.10
7. Public opinion shifted toward increased nervousness regarding quantum applications and reduced trust in government oversight.p.11
8. Commercially available QPUs expanded from 40 to 56 in one year.p.11
9. AI data centers are emerging as a key customer market for integrated quantum computing hardware.p.11
10. India was the fastest-growing patent filing country from 2023 to 2025, rising to 883 patents in 2025.p.27