On 2 November 2026, more than a hundred representatives from the quantum, high-tech, research and investment communities gathered at Prodrive Technologies for the fifth edition of Brainport Quantum Day.

Organised by QDNL Brainport Eindhoven in partnership with the Casimir Institue at Eindhoven University of Technology, Brainport Development and Prodrive Technologies, the event focused on a pressing question for the quantum sector:

How do we move quantum technology from groundbreaking research to reliable, manufacturable and scalable products?

Throughout the day, speakers, panellists and attendees explored the engineering, manufacturing, investment and ecosystem partnerships needed to industrialise quantum technologies.

A recurring theme across all sessions was that quantum companies alone cannot achieve industrialisation.

Real-world examples from collaborations between Qblox and Prodrive Technologies, Groove Quantum and Sioux Technologies, and Orange Quantum Systems and QuantaMap showed the value of combining quantum expertise with established capabilities in electronics, system integration, manufacturing, and testing.

One of the day's strongest messages was that manufacturers and system integrators should be engaged early in the development process. Early collaboration helps companies identify scalability challenges sooner, avoid costly redesigns and build products with industrialisation in mind from the outset.

Discussions throughout the day highlighted that many of the capabilities required to scale quantum technologies already exist within the Brainport region.

Decades of experience in precision engineering, electronics, semiconductor equipment, advanced manufacturing, and systems integration have created an industrial base highly relevant to the needs of the emerging quantum industry.

The challenge is not necessarily creating new expertise, but connecting existing expertise with the needs of quantum companies.

As several speakers emphasised, the ingredients needed to build a globally competitive quantum industry are already present in Europe and particularly in the Eindhoven region. Success will depend on strengthening collaboration across the ecosystem and ensuring that investment, manufacturing and technology development evolve together.

The investor panel, facilitated by BOM, explored what quantum companies need to support long development cycles and commercial growth. Panellists discussed the importance of patient capital, strong industrial partnerships and coordinated ecosystem development.

Beyond the formal programme, attendees toured Prodrive Technologies' lab and factory and exchanged ideas during networking sessions, creating new connections between quantum startups, established high-tech companies, investors, and researchers.

The technology may originate in laboratories, but bringing quantum innovations to market requires an entire ecosystem working together, from researchers and entrepreneurs to manufacturers, investors and system integrators.

Eindhoven already has the expertise needed to make this happen. The next step is continuing to build the connections and collaborations that will turn technological breakthroughs into scalable products and successful businesses.

Photo credit: Ektor Tsolodimos at Epsilon Studios