Netherlands unveils 2035 strategy to become a quantum technology leader

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The Netherlands is setting a long-term ambition to establish itself as a leading force in quantum technologies by 2035, placing the emerging field at the intersection of economic growth, technological innovation and national security.

The Dutch government presented its nationwide quantum strategy to the House of Representatives on October 5, outlining a policy framework designed to expand the country’s existing research strengths while turning scientific expertise into commercially relevant applications.

The strategy was submitted by Heleen Herbert, minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, and Willemijn Aerdts, state secretary for Digital Economy and Sovereignty. Government officials said the approach is intended to encourage innovation while protecting public interests, strengthening digital security and reducing strategic dependence on technologies developed outside Europe.

From research strength to industrial applications

The Netherlands already has a substantial foundation in quantum science and innovation. The government considers quantum technology one of the key technologies underpinning its broader technology policy, with Dutch universities, research institutions and companies contributing to an established national ecosystem.

A major component of that ecosystem is Quantum Delta NL, which has received €614.9 million through the Dutch National Growth Fund. The programme focuses on areas including quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing, while supporting the development of talent, startups and practical applications.

The new strategy seeks to build on those investments by moving beyond research and infrastructure toward technologies that can be deployed across the economy. Potential applications span sectors such as healthcare, energy, logistics and defence, where quantum systems could eventually deliver new capabilities in computation, measurement and secure communications.

Security becomes a central part of the strategy

The Dutch government is also approaching quantum technology as a security issue rather than solely as an economic opportunity.

More powerful quantum computers could eventually undermine some of the encryption methods currently used to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure. The national strategy therefore places digital resilience alongside technological development, with the government seeking to prepare public systems for a future in which existing cryptographic safeguards may no longer be sufficient.

The policy also emphasizes responsible development of quantum applications, including military uses, while calling for cooperation at European and international levels. Protecting fundamental rights and maintaining public trust are included among the broader considerations shaping the government's approach.

A European dimension to Dutch ambitions

For the Netherlands, becoming a quantum leader also means limiting dependence on external suppliers and strengthening its position within emerging European technology value chains.

The country's existing strategy identifies cooperation with European partners, including France and Germany, as an important avenue for building a stronger European quantum ecosystem. At the same time, Dutch policymakers recognize that maintaining a leading position will require continued investment in research, skilled professionals, companies and infrastructure.

The government plans to continue working with researchers, businesses and other stakeholders as the strategy is implemented. Progress is expected to be reported annually to parliament from 2027 onward, creating a mechanism for monitoring the country's trajectory toward its 2035 objective.

The Netherlands' quantum strategy therefore represents more than a technology programme. It is an attempt to connect scientific leadership with industrial competitiveness and digital resilience, as governments increasingly view control over advanced technologies as a strategic economic and security asset.