Sifted reports that Europe leads the quantum-computing race in early-stage startups, but faces a "brain drain" risk as US technology giants acquire the most promising quantum-focused teams and companies. The consolidation threatens Europe's sovereign quantum capability and competitive standing against US government-backed quantum initiatives.
European policymakers are increasingly aware of the pattern: early innovation germinates in Europe, but capital and acquisition leverage pull founders and engineering talent to US firms, eroding the continent's independent quantum ecosystem.