Japan is treating quantum-safe communication as a national economic and security priority and the government plans for the roughly 600-kilometer network connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe, to be completed by March 2027, followed by field testing, and deployment targeted for 2030.
On November 24, 2025, the Rafael del Pino Foundation held the presentation of the INTEC 2025 Report, prepared within the framework of the Rafael del Pino Chair in Science and Society. Entitled "A roadmap for innovation in complex times," the report offers an in-depth and rigorous look at the scientific, technological, and social challenges facing Spain in an international context marked by uncertainty. The welcome address to the event underscored a message that sums up the Foundation's philosophy: science, innovation, and technology transfer are not abstract concepts, but real levers for strengthening the country's economic, social, and institutional progress. At a time of unprecedented technological acceleration, but also of polarization, misinformation, and crisis of confidence, the Foundation asserts the need to build a common vision in which science, business, and society converge.
This article by Xavier Ferràs explores the Global Innovation Index 2025, revealing how innovation is increasingly concentrated in specific "superhub" regions around the world. It highlights the rapid rise of Asian innovation powerhouses like Shenzhen–Hong Kong, Tokyo–Yokohama, Beijing, and Seoul, contrasted with traditional centers like Silicon Valley. The piece delves into the unique ecosystems that drive these clusters—combining cutting-edge research, industrial capacity, and dynamic financial networks—while emphasizing the critical role of state support and social networks in fueling innovation. If you're interested in understanding the future landscape of global technological leadership and the factors underpinning these high-impact innovation hubs, this article offers a compelling and insightful read.
Several quantum science companies have gone public so far in 2025, marking a pivotal year for the commercialization of quantum technology. Francisco Castro, our WAIQer turn into a Quantum Investor, predicted this summer in our course in Boston that there would be more quantum companies listed on the stock exchanges. Standouts like Infleqtion and Xanadu have captured attention with high-profile SPAC deals, joining other established names in shaping the future landscape of quantum research and applications. This post reviews their market entries, business focus, and what might unfold in the months ahead.
The first Spanish Quantum Technologies Strategy 2025-2030 is presented, a key initiative of the Spanish Government to position the country as a European leader in quantum innovation. The official presentation took place on April 24, 2025, at the OECD Global Technology Forum, held at the Fundación Espacio Telefónica in Madrid, before political, academic, and private sector representatives from more than 38 countries.
The package will have a "multi-billion" endowment and will come into operation in spring 2026. The EIB and various European foundations, including Fondazione Cariplo and Compagnia di San Paolo, will contribute.
