Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, poised to reshape industries from pharmaceuticals and materials science to cybersecurity and logistics. By harnessing quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical binary bits, it can solve complex problems far beyond the capabilities of traditional computers.
The industry is scaling rapidly. Quantum computing firms generated $650–$750 million in revenue in 2024 and are on track to cross $1 billion in 2025. By 2035, the three pillars of quantum technology—computing, communication, and sensing—could reach $97 billion in revenue, with computing alone accounting for as much as $72 billion. By 2040, the global market could nearly double to $198 billion*.
Valued at $1.2 billion in 2024, Quantum technology market is projected to reach $10.5–$14.9 billion by 2035, led by the adoption of post-quantum cryptography, which ensures secure data transfer in a quantum-enabled world. Industries poised for the most impact include chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility, where breakthroughs in efficiency, security, and discovery are expected.
Surge in Investment in Quantum Computing
Global investment in quantum technology start-ups hit $2 billion in 2024, up 50% from 2023. Private funding contributed $1.3 billion, while public funding surged to $680 million, signaling stronger government backing.
Major investments included SoftBank–Quantinuum, Aramco–Pasqal, and partnerships involving Japan’s AIST with QuEra and IonQ, as well as Qatar Investment Authority with Alice & Bob. Early-stage start-ups are shifting from hardware to software solutions, supported by new innovation clusters in Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Illinois, and Maryland.
Patent activity reflects the growing strategic importance of quantum technology. In 2024, Quantum technology patents increased by 13%, led by IBM and Google, while China dominated computing patents and the U.S. led in quantum communication, highlighting the global race for technological leadership.
GCC Emerging as a Key Player in Quantum Computing
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a key player in global quantum computing, backed by ambitious projects and heavy investment. Valued at $16 million in 2023, the regional market is projected to more than double to $40.8 million by 2035, growing at a 6.5% CAGR.
Saudi Arabia expects HPC demand to rise 15% annually, fueled by data-driven applications and innovation goals. Also, the UAE is building a 10-square-mile AI and quantum campus in Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2025, with capacity to process 500,000 Nvidia AI chips annually powered by 5 GW of electricity. The country is also investing in research, partnering with U.S. universities and Mubadala–MIT to develop 1,000-qubit processors by 2028.
Meanwhile, Qatar has teamed up with Quantinuum to bolster Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recent regional expansion. Its quantum sector already generated up to $750 million in 2024 and is forecast to surpass $1 billion by 2025*
Leading Global Players
Quantum technology is moving from research to deployment, signalling major disruption across industries. Leading firms such as Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft are improving qubit fidelity, reducing error rates, and lowering error-correction costs, making quantum systems increasingly reliable for mission-critical applications. Start-ups and established players alike are advancing quantum control, error correction, and scalable systems, exemplified by Google’s Willow chip, Alice & Bob, Riverlane, QuEra, and Atom Computing.
With its groundbreaking potential, the Quantum computing sector is attracting substantial investment, and a new thematic ETF is set to launch in the UAE, offering investors a way to gain exposure to this cutting-edge innovation.
UAE investors can access these tech giants through Boreas Solactive Quantum Computing UCITS ETF.
Introducing the Boreas Solactive Quantum Computing UCITS ETF
In UAE, Lunate Capital is set to launch the Boreas Solactive Quantum Computing UCITS ETF (Ticker: QUANTM) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on September 22, 2025, marking the first thematic quantum computing ETF listed in Abu Dhabi.
The fund will track the Solactive Developed Quantum Computing Index, which is structured to offer exposure to 25 prominent quantum computing companies that are publicly traded on either U.S. or eligible European exchanges. Using Solactive’s advanced ARTIS natural language processing technology, the index categorizes companies into three areas: Quantum Computing Hardware, Quantum Software & Algorithms, and Quantum Communication & Sensing.
The ETF offers a diversified mix of established tech giants, such as IBM, Microsoft, and Nvidia, alongside pure-play innovators like IonQ and Rigetti Computing, with a total expense ratio of 0.49%.
The launch of this fund reflects a worldwide surge in thematic ETFs, which focus on specific industries or trends. Over the past five years, assets under management in these funds have nearly doubled, reaching $562 billion.
The launch of this ETF highlights the growing recognition of quantum computing as a significant and emerging investment theme.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Quantum technology is emerging as a critical frontier, addressing the looming threat of “Q-Day,” when current encryption may be rendered obsolete. Post-quantum cryptography and secure key distribution are becoming cornerstones of future digital security. At the same time, synergies with AI, robotics, sustainability, and cybersecurity make quantum technology a catalyst for next-generation innovation.
The launch of the Boreas ETF marks a significant milestone in the Middle East’s investment landscape, providing regional investors with a convenient vehicle to participate in the global quantum computing revolution. As the sector continues to evolve, the ETF offers a strategic opportunity to gain exposure to companies poised to lead in the next wave of technological advancement.
*Data sourced from Quantum Computing: Technologies and Global Markets to 2030, Jun 2025, bccResearch, Market Research Future, McKinsey
