Global Quantum Computing Trends and Malta’s Strategic Position
Quantum computing is increasingly viewed as a strategic technology with long-term economic and security implications.
The United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYoQST) reflects growing recognition that quantum technologies are moving from theoretical research into real-world applications.
Malta’s response reflects these global developments while considering the realities of a small but highly connected digital economy.
Within the government’s broader Vision 2050 innovation strategy, quantum computing is increasingly framed as an enabling technology capable of strengthening competitiveness in sectors where Malta already has strong positioning, including:
- financial technology
- cybersecurity
- digital services
- advanced research and development
Rather than attempting to build a domestic quantum hardware industry, Malta’s strategy focuses on participation in international research networks and infrastructure initiatives.
How Malta Is Building Quantum Infrastructure Through EuroQCI
A key pillar of Malta’s quantum strategy is participation in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative.
Malta’s national project within this framework is PRISM – Physical Security for Public Infrastructure in Malta.
PRISM aims to deploy a quantum-secure communications network across the Maltese islands, forming part of a broader European infrastructure expected to be operational around 2030.
The project focuses on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies capable of generating encryption keys resistant to both current and future cyber threats.
PRISM also supports broader ecosystem development through:
- integration of quantum and classical communication systems
- research collaboration and technical testing
- public outreach and awareness initiatives
- long-term sustainability planning for quantum infrastructure
Through this project, Malta becomes a strategic node within the European quantum security network.
Research Ecosystem and Industry Collaboration
Malta’s quantum landscape is also supported by academic research initiatives.
The University of Malta has launched programmes exploring quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning, linking theoretical research with practical applications.
International partnerships further strengthen Malta’s research ecosystem. Collaboration with global technology companies such as Amazon, IBM and Airbus enables knowledge transfer and integration with global research networks.
This approach reflects Malta’s broader innovation policy – leveraging international collaboration rather than developing isolated domestic technology ecosystems.
Investment Incentives Supporting Quantum Computing Research
Malta promotes quantum computing research primarily through technology-neutral innovation incentives.
Research and Development Incentives
The main legal framework supporting research investment is the Malta Enterprise Act (Chapter 463) together with the Research and Development Regulations (2024).
These measures provide support through:
• cash grants for qualifying research projects
• tax credits for research and development expenditure
Because the legislation is technology-neutral, quantum computing research activities qualify under the same framework as other advanced technologies.
Innovation Measures in the 2026 Budget
Malta’s 2026 Budget introduced enhanced incentives—such as a 175% tax deduction for eligible research and innovation spending—to lower innovation costs and support advanced technologies like quantum computing.
Institutional Governance: The Role of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority
Regulatory oversight for emerging technologies in Malta is supported by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA).
The MDIA was established under the MDIA Act (Chapter 591 of the Laws of Malta) to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and ensure their secure implementation.
Although the MDIA’s mandate is not quantum-specific, it covers technologies including:
• artificial intelligence
• digital trust frameworks
• advanced computing systems
• data governance infrastructure
This technology-neutral mandate allows regulatory frameworks to evolve alongside emerging technologies, including quantum computing.
Public Procurement and Funding for Quantum Technology Projects
Quantum technology companies seeking public funding in Malta operate within the general EU-aligned public procurement and innovation funding frameworks.
Public procurement procedures are governed by the Public Procurement Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 601.03).
Funding programmes are administered by bodies such as:
- Malta Enterprise – supporting business innovation and investment
- Xjenza Malta – coordinating national research policy and EU research participation
Funding may be awarded either through procurement contracts or through grant programmes aligned with EU state aid rules, particularly the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).
Beneficiaries typically undertake obligations including:
- use of funds strictly for approved research activities
- reporting and audit obligations
- milestone-based performance requirements
Intellectual property generated through publicly funded research generally remains with the beneficiary, subject to limited rights granted to the funding authority.
Export Controls and Security Regulations Affecting Quantum Technologies
Malta does not maintain national export controls specifically targeting quantum computing.
However, companies operating in Malta must comply with EU dual-use export controls under Regulation (EU) 2021/821.
Quantum technologies may fall within this regime where they involve:
- advanced computing systems
- cryptographic technologies
- secure communication hardware
Exports of controlled technologies outside the European Union may therefore require an export licence.
Patent Protection for Quantum Computing Technologies
Patent protection in Malta follows European Patent Convention standards.
Most applicants obtain protection through the European Patent Office (EPO) and subsequently validate patents in Malta.
Patentability of Quantum Hardware
Quantum hardware innovations – such as qubit architectures, processors and cryogenic systems – are generally patentable provided they satisfy the standard criteria of:
- novelty
- inventive step
- industrial applicability
Patentability of Quantum Algorithms
Quantum algorithms and software face stricter limitations.
Under the European Patent Convention, mathematical methods and computer programs “as such” are excluded from patentability.
However, software may qualify for protection where it produces a technical effect, for example by improving the operation of quantum hardware or error correction systems.
Preparing for Post-Quantum Cybersecurity Risks
Quantum computing also raises long-term cybersecurity concerns because powerful quantum computers could eventually break widely used encryption methods.
Malta has begun addressing this challenge primarily through infrastructure and policy initiatives rather than dedicated legislation.
Projects such as PRISM and experimental quantum-secure networks between MITA data centres demonstrate a policy focus on future-proofing digital infrastructure.
Existing EU legislation already imposes cybersecurity obligations that address emerging risks, including:
- GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) – Article 32 requires appropriate technical and organisational security measures
- NIS2 (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) – strengthening cybersecurity obligations for essential entities
- Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) – governing ICT risk management in financial services
These frameworks require organisations to anticipate future cryptographic threats, including those arising from quantum computing.
Strategic Implications for Quantum Technology Development in Malta
Malta’s approach to quantum computing regulation can be described as strategically cautious but forward-looking.
Rather than introducing premature sector-specific legislation, Malta has embedded quantum initiatives within broader digital innovation frameworks.
This approach offers several advantages:
- regulatory flexibility as the technology evolves
- strong integration with European infrastructure initiatives
- support for research and innovation investment
- institutional coordination between regulators, academia and industry
Malta’s previous experience with emerging technologies such as iGaming, blockchain and digital assets demonstrates the jurisdiction’s ability to introduce targeted regulation once technological use cases and risks become clearer.
As quantum technologies mature, Malta is therefore well positioned to adapt its legal framework while continuing to participate actively in the global quantum innovation ecosystem.
FAQs – Quantum Computing Regulation in Malta
[question]Does Malta have specific quantum computing laws? [/question]
[answer]No. Malta currently does not have legislation dedicated specifically to quantum computing. Quantum technologies are governed through broader innovation, research and cybersecurity frameworks. [/answer]
[question]How does Malta support quantum computing research? [/question]
[answer]Quantum research can benefit from R&D incentives under the Malta Enterprise Act, research funding schemes administered by Xjenza Malta, and participation in European programmes such as EuroQCI. [/answer]
[question]What is the PRISM quantum project? [/question]
[answer]PRISM is Malta’s national quantum communications initiative under the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). It aims to build a quantum-secure communications network across Malta. [/answer]
[question]Are quantum technologies subject to export controls? [/question]
[answer]Yes. Certain quantum technologies may fall under EU dual-use export control rules (Regulation (EU) 2021/821), which may require export licences for transfers outside the European Union. [/answer]
[question]Can quantum computing technologies be patented in Malta? [/question]
[answer]Yes. Quantum hardware and certain software innovations may be patented under the European Patent Convention provided they meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.[/answer]
