May 05, 2026 -- Universal Quantum, the UK based company building the world's most scalable quantum computers, today announced the appointment of Freeke Heijman as Senior European Advisor.

Freeke is one of Europe's most influential figures in quantum technology and innovation policy. She is Vice President of the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) and Government Affairs Officer at Qblox. As founder and former director of Quantum Delta NL and House of Quantum, she laid the foundation of the Dutch Quantum Ecosystem Approach, with the TU Delft hub and a growing community of quantum startups and scaleups at its core. She continues to serve on the board of several of these companies.

Freeke now runs a boutique consultancy advising national and international clients including NATO, TNO, and VNO NCW. A TU Delft trained Systems Engineer, she has held senior roles in government administration across space and innovation policy, and brings deep international experience from EU committees and as co chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council. In 2025, she was recognised as one of the Quantum 100 for her impact during the UN International Year of Quantum.

Her appointment strengthens Universal Quantum's engagement across the European quantum ecosystem at a moment when sovereign capability, cross border collaboration, and decisive policy action are central to securing the continent's role in the next phase of quantum computing.

Luc Gerardin, Global Head of Business Development, Universal Quantum, commented: "Freeke is a pioneer of the European quantum landscape, and few people have done more to turn ecosystem ambition into real industrial momentum. Her quantum expertise, her instinct for ecosystem building, and her first class network across research, industry, and policy make her an exceptional addition to our advisory team. We're looking forward to working alongside her as we extend Universal Quantum's footprint across Europe and beyond."

Freeke Heijman added: "I'm really excited to join Universal Quantum as Senior European Advisor. Quantum computing is entering a decisive phase, and for me this is about more than the technology. It's about building the connections and partnerships that turn ecosystem ambition into real industrial momentum. I look forward to bringing my European network to the table; spanning research, industry and policy, to help UQ deepen its footprint across the continent. And working closely with a team with such extraordinary depth of expertise and drive is something I genuinely can't wait for"

Freeke's appointment reflects Universal Quantum's growing role in aligning quantum innovation with European strategic priorities, sovereign capability, and the long term partnerships needed to deliver utility scale quantum computing.