"If You Don't Jump On Now, You'll Be Left Behind"... Photon-Based Quantum Computing Pioneer on the Coming 'Quantum Moment' [2026 Alternative Investment Forum]

Niccolo Somaschi, Co-founder and CEO of Quandela

"Quantum Computing Will Bring Significant Value Within 5 to 10 Years"

"Any Country or Company Can Secure a Competitive Advantage"

"Within the next few years, a 'Quantum GPT Momentum' will emerge. This is why we need to prepare for the quantum sector in advance."

Nicolo Somasky Quandela, CEO, attended the "4th Asia Economy Alternative Investment Forum" held at Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul on the 29th and gave a lecture on the topic of "The Present and Future of Quantum Technology, Industries and Investment Environment Changed by Quantum." 2026.9.29. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

On September 29th at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Niccolo Somaschi, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Quandela, stated at the 4th Asia Business Daily Alternative Investment Forum, "Quantum computing will bring immense value to corporations and investors within the next 5 to 10 years," emphasizing that now is the optimal time to invest.

Founded in France in 2017, Quandela is a quantum computing company based on photons, using photons—particles of light—as qubits, unlike matter-based qubits such as superconductors or spins. Photon-based quantum computers do not require a stage to convert information into photons, unlike matter-based qubits, which results in faster computation speeds.

CEO Somaschi believes that investments in the quantum sector need to accelerate during this initial phase. He noted, "In 2010, no one could have predicted that ChatGPT would emerge a decade later. That is the crux of the matter," and added, "Now is the moment for Korea to secure a leadership position in the quantum sector." He continued, "Quantum computing demands extremely high barriers to entry in terms of technology and infrastructure. At first, only a small number of companies will have access to quantum computers, while others will inevitably be left behind," predicting, "Those left behind will be pushed out of competition."

The quantum computing ecosystem is still only in its early stages. CEO Somaschi observed, "Quantum computing will undoubtedly give rise to companies with multitrillion-dollar valuations, but which companies will fill those names has not yet been determined," and analyzed, "Competition remains ongoing, and any company or country is currently capable of gaining a competitive edge."

Quandela is preparing to enter the industrialization phase through its Series C investment round, focusing on validation of its qubit platform, scaling up products and technologies, and other such efforts. CEO Somaschi stated, "We have moved beyond laboratory verification. Now, what remains are engineering challenges, manufacturing challenges, and scaling up," and added, "We aim to leverage Korea's tremendous industrialization capabilities to build the next phase."

Finally, CEO Somaschi also presented a roadmap for public listing. He said, "Although we have received several proposals for initial public offerings (IPO) or SPAC listings, I believe an IPO is not yet appropriate because it requires a level of maturity for both the company and its products," and added, "Our goal is to enter the public capital market in three years after securing more customers and achieving further commercial validation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.