Insider Brief
- The International Council of Quantum Industry Associations expanded its membership by adding UKQuantum and the Korea Quantum Industry Association while formally adopting a new charter at Q-Expo 2026 in Bilbao, Spain.
- The additions broaden ICQIA’s international representation and reflect growing efforts to coordinate on shared challenges such as workforce development, supply chains, standards and commercialization.
- ICQIA now represents more than 780 organizations worldwide as quantum industry groups seek to strengthen collaboration and support the long-term growth of the global quantum sector.
PRESS RELEASE — The global quantum industry took a step toward greater international coordination as the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations (ICQIA) adopted a new charter and expanded its membership to welcome two additional member organisations: UKQuantum and the Korea Quantum Industry Association (KQIA).The additions expand the council’s geographic representation and reinforce its role as a forum for collaboration among quantum industry associations worldwide.
The developments were announced during Q-Expo 2026 in Bilbao, an international gathering hosted by the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) that brought together leaders from industry, research institutions, investment organizations and government bodies involved in quantum technologies.
The move comes as quantum technologies continue their transition from research laboratories toward commercial and industrial applications. Governments, companies and research organizations across multiple regions have increased investments in quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing and related technologies, creating a growing need for international coordination on issues affecting the broader ecosystem.
ICQIA was established by QuIC, Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C®), Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), and Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) to support the development of a strong and durable global commercial quantum sector. The organization provides a platform for industry associations to exchange perspectives, identify shared priorities and promote collaboration across borders.
Growing International Alignment
The addition of UKQuantum and KQIA extends ICQIA’s reach into two regions that have become increasingly active participants in the global quantum landscape.
The United Kingdom has continued to expand its quantum ecosystem through public and private investment, research initiatives and industry development programs. South Korea has likewise increased its focus on quantum technologies as part of broader efforts to strengthen national capabilities in advanced technologies and future computing systems.
As quantum technologies mature, stakeholders increasingly face common challenges related to workforce development, supply chains, standards, public policy and commercialization. Industry leaders have emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches that can help accelerate growth while supporting interoperability and international cooperation. Their inclusion within ICQIA broadens the range of perspectives represented within the organization and reflects broader efforts within the quantum industry to build stronger connections between regional ecosystems. Supporting Long-Term Industry Development
Organizers said the announcement represents the broader momentum building across the quantum sector and provides another example of the partnerships and international alignment that are helping shape the future of quantum technologies.
Over the past several years, the industry has seen increased investment activity, expanding government support and growing participation from large technology companies and industrial users exploring potential applications of quantum technologies.
Industry associations serve as convening bodies for companies, researchers and policymakers working to accelerate the development of quantum ecosystems. Through collaboration, these organizations can help identify common priorities, share best practices and support initiatives related to industrialization, standards development and policy engagement.
While many technical and commercial challenges remain, stakeholders increasingly view international cooperation as an important component of long-term industry growth.
With the adoption of its new charter and the addition of two new members, ICQIA enters its next phase with a broader international footprint and an expanded mandate for collaboration.
The organization said its members remain committed to fostering a durable global commercial quantum sector and look forward to future international forums dedicated to advancing the industry.
“The International Council plays a central role in aligning perspectives across the global quantum tech sector and advancing areas of common interest. QuIC was proud to have hosted ICQIA as it formally adopted its charter and welcomed two new members: UKQuantum and KQIA.” — Thierry Botter, Executive Director, QuIC
“KQIA’s participation in ICQIA is more than joining an international alliance—it is about building a trusted gateway connecting Korea’s emerging quantum ecosystem with the global quantum industry. With its proven industrialization DNA in semiconductors, telecommunications, manufacturing, and digital transformation, Korea is well positioned to help accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies.
Through ICQIA, we look forward to strengthening global collaboration in industrialization, standards, supply chains, talent exchange, and market development—together building a stronger and more connected global quantum ecosystem.” — Brad Kim, Vice Chairman, KQIA.
“The addition of UKQuantum and the Korean Quantum Industry Association to the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations strengthens an alliance that reflects an important reality: quantum is a global industry. As technologies mature and markets develop, collaboration across trusted partners will be increasingly important to advancing industrialization, accelerating commercialization and adoption, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring the quantum economy reaches its full potential.” — Lisa Lambert, CEO, QIC
“Quantum is inherently global — a deeply interconnected industry built on international collaboration. UKQuantum is proud to join the Korean Quantum Industry Association and the founding members in launching the new Charter for the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations. With industrialisation gathering pace, companies strengthening supply‑chain resilience, and governments seeking to grow domestic capability, a unified global voice for the quantum industry has never been more essential.” —Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director, UKQuantum
“As Japan’s representative in ICQIA, Q-STAR warmly welcomes the Korean industry partner, together with the UK partner, to the alliance. We are pleased to see the quantum communities in Korea and the UK, as close regional and global partners, further strengthening international collaboration across the ecosystem. Their participation will bring valuable and diverse perspectives to ICQIA and contribute to the continued growth of the global quantum industry.” — Taro Shimada, Chair, Q-STAR
Now more than ever, ICQIA represents the broad global quantum ecosystem, including more than 780 worldwide. International coordination and collaboration among ICQIA members will help accelerate progress, leading to economic, security, and societal benefits. With the addition of UK Quantum and the Korea Quantum Industry Association (KQIA), the collective voice of the quantum industry continues to strengthen and to promote the global quantum economy. — Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director, QED-C
