On 28 and 29 September, the University of Basel became a focal point for discussions on the future of quantum technologies in Europe and the future of QuantERA. The Strategic Conference: Impact of QuantERA 2016-2026, organised by the QuantERA Consortium in cooperation with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the National Centre of Competence in Research “Spin Qubits in Silicon” (NCCR SPIN), brought together around 170 representatives from academia, industry, policy and funding organisations.

Marking the 10^th anniversary of the QuantERA Programme, the conference provided an opportunity to reflect on a decade of achievements while exploring the future direction of the European quantum ecosystem and QuantERA positioning within the evolving framework. Over two days of presentations, panel discussions, and networking activities, participants examined the impact of QuantERA-funded research and discussed emerging opportunities and challenges for quantum technologies in Europe.

The strategic outlook for the field was addressed through speeches delivered by Dr Oscar Diez, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission, Rafał Duczmal, Chair of the Governing Board of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, and Prof. Eleni Diamanti, Coordinator of the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA) Preparation and member of the QuantERA Strategic Advisory Board. Prof. Konrad Banaszek, QuantERA Scientific Coordinator, highlighted what QuantERA has achieved and delivered at both Programme and funded projects levels, while coordinators of QuantERA-funded projects, Prof. Fedor Jelezko from Ulm University and Prof. Marzena Szymańska from University College London, shared the results and achievements of their respective projects.

The conference also featured a series of panel discussions that encouraged dialogue across disciplines and stakeholder groups:

• The Future Role of QuantERA in a New European Quantum Ecosystem, moderated by Anamarija Meglič (MIZM), explored how QuantERA’s proven strengths can be preserved and further embedded within the future European quantum architecture.
• What QuantERA Makes Possible: From Project Proposals to New Pathways, moderated by Prof. Andreas Wallraff (ETH Zurich), brought together representatives of leading research institutions to discuss the practical value of participation in QuantERA — from developing project ideas to building long-term research and innovation pathways.
• Building Quantum from Within: Talent, Inclusion and Widening Participation, moderated by Dr Florence Quist (FNRS), focused on the importance of developing a diverse and inclusive quantum community, combining expert insights and practical advice with active audience participation.

The event also served as the final seminar for projects funded under QuantERA Call 2021, providing project coordinators with an opportunity to present their scientific achievements, research outcomes, and success stories. At the same time, the conference marked the beginning of activities for beneficiaries of QuantERA Call 2025, with a dedicated kick-off workshop providing a practical introduction to the QuantERA-funded project implementation process. The newly funded teams also joined beneficiaries of QuantERA Call 2023 in a dedicated poster session showcasing ongoing research across a broad range of quantum technology domains.

To further strengthen collaboration within the QuantERA community, representatives from Calls: 2021, 2023, and 2025 participated in a dedicated networking session, exchanging experience through a peer-to-peer dos & don’ts exercise.

The conference demonstrated the enduring value of international collaboration in advancing quantum technologies. Through insightful discussions, knowledge exchange, and community building, participants contributed to shaping a shared vision for the future of Europe’s quantum ecosystem. As the dialogue continues beyond Basel, QuantERA remains committed to supporting excellence in quantum research and fostering collaboration across the European Research Area.