Q&A with Dr. Ulrich Mans, QuantWare Director of Geopolitics and Government Affairs

Q: Why did you decide to join QuantWare?

Because this feels like one of those rare moments where a company moves from being “promising” to becoming genuinely strategic.

The recent $178M Series B round is a strong signal that quantum computing is entering a new phase. We are no longer talking only about scientific potential—we are seeing the emergence of a serious industry with global ambitions. QuantWare is one of the companies helping define what this industry can look like.

Q: Why is governmental affairs becoming important in quantum?

Because scaling quantum computing is not just a technology challenge.

It also involves  a range of topics that are non-technical in nature: navigating a fast-changing geopolitical landscape, anticipating future supply chains, attracting talent, defining standards, accelerating public procurement, safeguarding economic security, shaping international partnerships, and executing long-term industrial policy. Governments around the world increasingly recognise quantum as a strategic capability.

This is why my role as “Director of Geopolitics and Government Affairs” is to embrace the changing role of emerging technology as a geopolitical asset and further strengthen QuantWare’s position as a tech company in the global marketplace.  

Q: What role can quantum technology play globally?

One of the most encouraging signals from the recent funding round was the participation of the Environmental Technologies Fund. That reflects a changing mindset among investors: quantum technology is increasingly seen as a future tool for addressing global challenges.

Over time, quantum technologies are expected to contribute to breakthroughs in areas such as energy, materials, climate modelling, logistics, sensing, and industrial optimisation. This societal relevance has now become part of the investment and policy conversation - for good reasons.

Q: What lessons have you drawn from your previous career history?

Quantum is the first deep tech sector ever, which from its very beginnings must navigate today’s fast-moving geopolitical landscape. No other sector had to deal with that many international sensitivities at a time when a scale-up would normally focus on its technology roadmap and business strategy. As political advisor at the EU in Washington DC, and later as US-based innovation attaché for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, I saw how the tech landscape quickly changed from a truly global playing field into today’s fragmented landscape - where policy access, tech diplomacy and economic security are a matter of priority.

In 2020, I took these lessons with me to NL and spearheaded the Dutch quantum community’s approach on these matters in my lead role for strategic partnerships at QDNL. This included export control compliance pilots, global supply chain assessments and much more. It is fantastic that QuantWare is taking a proactive stance on these issues and making geopolitical strategy a first-order priority alongside technology, business, and industrialisation development.

Q: What are you personally looking forward to most?

Building bridges.

Between technology and policy. Between QuantWare and international partners. Between research excellence and industrial deployment.

And above all: helping build a global deep-tech company that combines scientific excellence with industrial scale and long-term strategic vision.

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