Announcing the 2025 Quantum World Congress Startup Pitch Competition Finalists
Connected DMV, the nonprofit that operates Quantum World Congress (QWC), today announced the seven global finalists for the 2025 Quantum Startup Pitch Competition presented by Booz Allen.
These cutting-edge startups represent the forefront of innovation at the intersection of quantum science and artificial intelligence (AI), tackling real-world challenges across sectors including healthcare, security, finance, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
The 2025 Finalists are:
XeedQ (Germany) – advancing scalable room-temperature quantum computing with diamond NV centers.
Quantum Network Technologies, Inc. (Qunett) (United States) – building modular hardware systems to enable a quantum internet.
QT Sense (Netherlands) – applying nanodiamond sensing technology for biomedical and industrial applications.
Qruise (Germany) – optimizing quantum hardware development with AI-driven modeling and control software.
Phaseshift Inc. (United States) – innovating with metasurface-based quantum photonics for advanced communications and sensing.
anabrid GmbH (Germany) – pioneering analog and hybrid quantum computing platforms for next-generation problem solving.
amPICQ (United States) – exploring scalable quantum hardware solutions at the materials and device level.
Finalists were selected for their ability to demonstrate strong commercialization potential and the power of convergence between quantum and adjacent technologies. They will compete live on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Tysons, Virginia, for the $25,000 grand prize, a table in the QWC Launchpad, and mentorship opportunities from NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers. The winner will be announced live on stage at Quantum World Congress on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“As the world’s quantum ecosystem gathers in Greater Washington, these finalists embody the ingenuity and drive it takes to bring breakthrough science into real-world application,” said George Thomas, President & CEO of Connected DMV. “This competition is a catalyst for startups pushing the boundaries of quantum and AI, and we are proud to showcase their talent on a global stage.”
“Booz Allen is committed to building and advancing critical technologies that make a measurable impact on U.S. national missions,” said Dr. Jake Farinholt, Booz Allen Senior Quantum Scientist. “We’re eager to see the ways that these startups are innovating and pioneering new quantum technology. The potential here is vast: novel quantum solutions can transform industries, strengthen national security, and unlock new opportunities for quantum innovation.”
About the Quantum Startup Pitch Competition
Now in its third year, the Quantum Startup Pitch Competition spotlights the most promising startups in quantum technology and adjacent fields. Finalists are selected through a rigorous review process and judged by a distinguished panel of global experts. Past winners include EuQlid Inc. (2024), BOSONQ PSI (2023), and QuantroPI Inc. (2023).
About Quantum World Congress
Quantum World Congress is the premier global stage for quantum innovation, convening leaders across industry, government, academia, and capital to accelerate adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies. Operated by Connected DMV, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, QWC 2025 is produced in collaboration with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and the Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC).
About Booz Allen’s Quantum & AI Leadership
Booz Allen is an advanced technology company, with a strong track record in quantum information science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mission systems integration. In 2025, the firm tripled its corporate venture capital fund to $300 million to accelerate investments in early-stage technologies—including quantum computing, AI, and autonomy—to meet urgent U.S. government and defense mission needs. Booz Allen Ventures also recently invested in SEEQC, a startup advancing scalable quantum hardware, underscoring the firm’s commitment to practical commercialization of next-generation technologies.