Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 2025

5.4 Start-ups and private venture 5.5 Education and workforceEncouraging start-up companies and attracting private investment is vital for the growth of the quantum economy. Regulators can cultivate entrepreneurship through incentives, incubators and streamlined processes, while derisking early- stage ventures with grants or government-backed investments. Initiatives like India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM),32 which supports start-ups such as QNu Labs and QpiAI, demonstrate how targeted support can help build a robust ecosystem. Similarly, Australia’s $940 million investment in PsiQuantum drives targeted acceleration towards the establishment of a commercially viable quantum computer in Brisbane.33 A skilled workforce is essential for the development of quantum technologies. Regulators should support educational initiatives that provide professionals with expertise in quantum mechanics, programming and engineering. The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act34 by the US Association for International Migration (USAIM) has facilitated the establishment of a quantum education and workforce hub, which addresses barriers impeding the commercialization of innovations (also called the “valley of death”). Similarly, NQM’s Jai Anushandhan vision emphasizes collaboration between academia and industry, guiding institutions on how to align with national goals and cultivating a talent pipeline to support the quantum sector’s growth. By aligning policies with these five pillars, regulators can lay a strong foundation for the quantum economy, drive progress and address critical challenges in the quantum technology landscape. Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 18