European Deep-Tech Startups Raise Fresh Capital for Quantum and GPS-Free Navigation

Chief executive Francis Neill said the future of defence, autonomous systems and space exploration relies on navigation and sensing tools that are smaller, more accurate and able to function where GPS is unavailable, EU-Startups reported. He added that the investment would help accelerate deployment of technologies already attracting interest from international customers, while strengthening what he described as sovereign sensing capability in the UK.

Spain's Arq Advances Quantum Internet Hardware

Separately, Arq, a quantum technology startup based in Spain, has closed a $1.4 million pre-seed round to speed up work on its quantum communication technology, Tech.eu reported. Ground State Ventures led the round, with participation from Big Sur Ventures.

Founded in 2025 by quantum scientists Samuele Grandi and Emanuele Distante, Arq is building quantum repeaters intended to link quantum computers across long distances. Its technology pairs quantum memories based on rare-earth doped crystals with photon-pair sources, aiming to support reliable, high-speed communication over fibre optic networks. Central to the design is multiplexing, which enables multiple photons to be stored and sent at once to improve speed and efficiency.

The company says its method could offer a faster and more cost-effective way to network quantum computers than current options, potentially laying groundwork for large-scale quantum networks. Co-founder Emanuele Distante said Arq is collaborating with research institutions, quantum technology firms and public bodies to move quantum communication out of the laboratory, according to Tech.eu. Distante said the technology could establish a foundation for quantum-exclusive networks that scale the impact of quantum technology, Tech.eu reported.

A Broader European Deep-Tech Signal

Arq is aiming its technology at sectors including telecommunications and finance. Together, the two rounds underscore ongoing European investment in foundational hardware, from navigation sensors to quantum networking infrastructure.