Quantum computing concerns around Bitcoin have resurfaced, yet analysis from CoinShares indicates the threat remains long-term. The report argues that quantum risk is an engineering challenge that gives Bitcoin ample time to adapt.
Bitcoin’s security relies on elliptic-curve cryptography. A sufficiently advanced quantum machine could, in theory, derive private keys using Shor’s algorithm, which requires millions of stable, error-corrected qubits, and remains far beyond current capability.
Network exposure is also limited. Roughly 1.6 million BTC is held in legacy addresses with visible public keys, yet only about 10,200 BTC is realistically targetable. Modern address formats further reduce the feasibility of attacks.
Debate continues over post-quantum upgrades, with researchers warning that premature changes could introduce new vulnerabilities. Market impact, for now, is viewed as minimal.
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Renowned physicist John Martinis, a Nobel Prize winner, is pursuing a new quantum computing breakthrough. His early work proved electrical circuits could behave like quantum particles, enabling modern quantum machines.
Momentum grew when Martinis led Google’s ‘quantum supremacy’ experiment, outperforming classical computers in specialised tasks. Scaling remains difficult because fragile qubits, complex wiring and manufacturing limits reduce reliability.
Startup QoLab, founded in 2024, is redesigning quantum chip architecture to solve those hardware problems. Integrating components onto chips could reduce wiring, improve stability and enable larger systems.
Useful quantum computers could transform chemistry, materials science and complex simulations beyond classical limits. Martinis believes hardware innovation and scalable manufacturing will determine future industry leaders.
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Researchers in Australia have built the largest quantum simulator yet to study complex quantum materials and advanced electronic behaviour. By placing individual atoms on silicon chips, the system recreates real-material interactions directly at the quantum level.
Unlike conventional computers, which struggle to model certain effects accurately, the simulator directly mirrors how electrons interact inside materials such as superconductors. This allows scientists to explore phenomena that would otherwise require enormous computational resources.
The system, known as Quantum Twins, consists of grids containing 15,000 qubits arranged to emulate atomic structures. By controlling how electrons move and interact across the grid, researchers can replicate key material properties linked to conductivity and magnetic behaviour.
Early experiments successfully simulated transitions between conducting and insulating states, as well as responses to magnetic fields. These results suggest the platform can handle complex two-dimensional systems that challenge classical modelling techniques.
Scientists in Australia believe the simulator could accelerate research into unconventional superconductors and other advanced materials, with potential applications in energy, electronics, medicine, and artificial photosynthesis technologies.
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The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its global tech role by treating advanced innovation as a pillar of sovereignty rather than a standalone growth driver. National strategy increasingly links technology with long-term economic resilience, security, and geopolitical relevance.
A key milestone was the launch of the UAE Advanced Technology Centre with the Technology Innovation Institute and the World Economic Forum, announced alongside the Davos gathering.
The initiative highlights the UAE’s transition from technology consumer to active participant in shaping global governance frameworks for emerging technologies.
The centre focuses on policy and governance for areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, and space-based payment systems.
Backed by a flexible regulatory environment, the UAE is promoting regulatory experimentation and translating research into real-world applications through institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and innovation hubs like Masdar City.
Alongside innovation, authorities are addressing rising digital risks, particularly deepfake technologies that threaten financial systems, public trust, and national security.
By combining governance, ethical standards, and international cooperation, the UAE is advancing a model of digital sovereignty that prioritises security, shared benefits, and long-term strategic independence.
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Europe is stepping up efforts to industrialise quantum technologies with a €50 million investment in superconducting quantum devices. Funding from the EU Chips Joint Undertaking and national agencies will support the Supreme consortium’s work from early 2026.
Superconducting quantum systems rely on ultra-low temperatures to maintain qubit stability, making manufacturing processes complex and costly. Supreme aims to develop reliable fabrication methods that can be scaled across Europe.
Access to these technologies will be opened to companies through shared pilot production runs and process design kits. Such tools are intended to lower barriers for firms developing quantum hardware and related systems.
The initiative also responds to Europe’s weaker performance in quantum patents compared with research output. Alignment with the upcoming Quantum Act and the EU Chips Act is expected to strengthen commercial uptake and industrial competitiveness.
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Web Summit Qatar is underway in Doha, drawing startups, investors, and technology leaders to discuss emerging trends shaping the global digital economy. Early sessions featured startup pitches, investor meetings, and discussions on AI, quantum technologies, and the creator economy.
More than 1,600 startups are taking part, with around 85% arriving from outside Qatar, joined by nearly 1,000 investors. Funds such as Amino Capital, Greycroft, and 500 Global are scouting opportunities, as journalists cover debates on tech geopolitics and innovation policy.
Germany is marking its strongest showing to date, bringing more than 200 startups, investors, and decision-makers. The German Pavilion showcases AI, cybersecurity, deep tech, and industrial innovation, highlighting plans to deepen cooperation with regional partners.
Beyond visibility, the summit emphasises partnerships, market entry, and long-term collaboration. Organisers and participants point to growing ties between Germany and Qatar as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across advanced technology and innovation ecosystems.
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A quantum computer has enabled researchers to create the most complex time crystal to date, demonstrating its growing role as a powerful tool for scientific discovery. The experiment illustrates how a quantum computer can explore physical behaviours that are extremely difficult to simulate on conventional computers.
The study reinforces the importance of quantum computing for national research and innovation strategies. By allowing scientists to simulate complex quantum materials and map their possible states, a quantum computer could support future advances in materials science, sensing, and energy-related technologies.
At the same time, the findings highlight the need for realistic governance and balanced research policies. Current quantum computers remain prone to errors and must be used alongside classical methods, underlining the value of hybrid approaches in publicly funded research programmes.
The research also illustrates the importance of international collaboration and shared infrastructure in frontier science. Partnerships between research institutions and technology providers are expected to play a key role in accelerating progress and maintaining competitiveness in quantum science and advanced computing.
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Scientists are divided over when quantum computers will become powerful enough to break today’s digital encryption, a moment widely referred to as ‘Q–Day’.
While predictions range from just two years to several decades, experts agree that governments and companies must begin preparing urgently for a future where conventional security systems may fail.
Quantum computing uses subatomic behaviour to process data far faster than classical machines, enabling rapid decryption of information once considered secure.
Financial systems, healthcare data, government communications, and military networks could all become vulnerable as advanced quantum machines emerge.
Major technology firms have already made breakthroughs, accelerating concerns that encryption safeguards could be overwhelmed sooner than expected.
Several cybersecurity specialists warn that sensitive data is already being harvested and stored for future decryption, a strategy known as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’.
Regulators in the UK and the US have set timelines for shifting to post-quantum cryptography, aiming for full migration by 2030-2035. However, engineering challenges and unresolved technical barriers continue to cast uncertainty over the pace of progress.
Despite scepticism over timelines, experts agree that early preparation remains the safest approach. Experts stress that education, infrastructure upgrades, and global cooperation are vital to prevent disruption as quantum technology advances.
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MIT researchers have demonstrated a faster, more energy-efficient cooling technique for scalable trapped-ion quantum chips. The solution addresses a long-standing challenge in reducing vibration-related errors that limit the performance of quantum systems.
The method uses integrated photonic chips with nanoscale antennas that emit tightly controlled light beams. Using polarisation-gradient cooling, the system cools ions to nearly ten times below standard laser limits, and does so much faster.
Unlike conventional trapped-ion systems that depend on bulky external optics, the chip-based design generates stable light patterns directly on the device. The stability improves accuracy and supports scaling to thousands of ions on a single chip.
Researchers say the breakthrough lays the groundwork for more reliable quantum operations and opens new possibilities for advanced ion control, bringing practical, large-scale quantum computing closer to reality.
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The European Commission has announced €307.3 million ($356 million) in new funding to advance digital technologies across the EU. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s innovation, competitiveness, and strategic digital autonomy.
A total of €221.8 million will support projects in AI, robotics, quantum technologies, photonics, and virtual worlds. One focus is the development of trustworthy AI services and innovative data solutions to enhance EU digital leadership.
More than €40 million has been allocated to the Open Internet Stack Initiative, which aims to advance end-user applications and core stack technologies, boosting European digital sovereignty. A second call of €85.5 million will target open strategic autonomy in emerging digital technologies and raw materials.
The funding is open to businesses, academic institutions, public administrations, and other entities from EU member states and partner countries. Priority areas include next-generation AI agents, industrial and service robotics, and new materials with enhanced sensing capabilities.
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