[co-author: Sofia D'Amico] On 17 March 2026, the Italian Competition Authority (“ICA”) announced the opening of sector inquiry, accompanied by a parallel public consultation (the “QC inquiry”), to examine the competitive dynamics of quantum computing (“QC”) and related markets. Interested stakeholders may submit observations by 30 April 2026. While the QC inquiry was launched by the ICA on its own initiative, it is not an isolated national exercise. Rather, it seems to reflect a broader policy direction set at EU level, where QC is recognised as a strategic technology for Europe's competitive-ness, economic security and technological sovereignty. Within that framework, the QC inquiry provides an example of how competition policy is increasingly deployed pre-emptively, to ensure that antitrust risks do not become structural barriers to the development of emerging deep tech markets. Key takeaways: - Addressing antitrust risks in the QC sector is a competition policy priority. The ICA’s market investigation and public consultation reflect a broader EU policy focus on antitrust risks as potential barriers to the development of strategic deep‑tech markets. - Pre‑emptive antitrust approach. Consistent with the EU Quantum Europe Strategy and Competitiveness Compass, the ICA is intervening early to preserve openness, contestability and innovation, and avoid the crystallization of anticompetitive dynamics in the QC sector. - Antitrust scrutiny will shape the QC ecosystem. Cloud gatekeeping, lock‑in risks, patent pre‑emption and early acquisitions are the primary focus of the ICA’s antitrust scrutiny. - Antitrust compliance should form an integral part of quantum planning, including IP management, partnerships, cloud arrangements and M&A. QC, EU industrial policy and the role of competition law Over the past year, policy-makers at the EU and Member States’ levels have significantly intensified their focus on QC. The Quantum Europe Strategy of 2 July 2025 establishes the overarching framework for quantum related initiatives, with