Pasqal Exits French Defense Quantum Program, Eyes Civil R&D

Pasqal, the neutral-atom quantum computing company, has exited France’s LSQUARE quantum defense program to concentrate its public-sector efforts on commercial quantum computing. This strategic shift, announced on September 28, 2026, coincided with a visit from Bpifrance chief Nicolas Dufourcq to Pasqal’s headquarters. The move indicates that a French deeptech firm, initially supported by state defense funding, now seeks public backing aligned with its commercial development.

Program Completion and Future Plans

Pasqal successfully met the technological objectives of the first phase of PROQCIMA, also known as LSQUARE, before concluding its involvement. The Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), the procurement arm of France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces, oversaw this defense program. Pasqal extended its gratitude to the DGA for the support during this initial phase.

The company is now engaging with civil public support programs currently in the process of defining by French authorities. Specifically, two bodies have requested proposals from Pasqal:

• The Secrétariat général pour l’investissement (SGPI)
• The Direction générale des entreprises (DGE)

Both organizations have invited Pasqal to submit a research and development program focusing on fault-tolerant quantum computing using neutral atoms. Pasqal views this submission as the first step in a new civil collaboration.

Commercial Rationale Behind the Shift

Pasqal frames this initiative as a way to accelerate its roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) beyond the scope of PROQCIMA. The company asserts that it operates the world’s second-largest fleet of complex quantum computers and serves prominent clients, though specific customer names or qubit figures were not disclosed in this announcement.

CEO Wasiq Bokhari emphasized the significance of this change for France’s perception of the company. “The visit by Nicolas Dufourcq… to Pasqal’s headquarters today is a testimony to our close relationship and Pasqal’s strategic importance to France as a sovereign technology asset,” he stated. Pasqal went public in 2025 through a business combination with Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp II, as detailed in Pasqal’s newsroom. This reframing aligns with broader initiatives to establish public-private quantum hubs, such as the Virginia Quantum Hub at George Mason University.