Quantum Computing Research Programme

8 May 2026

Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc
( “ QBT ” or “ the Company ”)

Update on Quantum Computing Research Programme

Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc (AIM: QBT), the AIM-listed investment company focused principally on a research, development and investment programme within blockchain technology, is pleased to provide an update on its quantum computing research programme in relation to Bitcoin mining.

Further to the Company ’ s previous announcement of 6 January 2023, QBT confirms that it has resumed its quantum computing research activities. This research was put on hold at the end of 2023 due to the lack of quantum computers with enough qubits to run QBT’s quantum version of SHA 256.   The same team at Milan University originally selected for the original project will also feature upon its resumption. This team continuity enables the Company to build directly on prior work and accelerate progress in this strategically important area.

Strategic Positioning

Quantum computing remains one of the most potentially disruptive technologies for cryptography and blockchain systems. Even incremental improvements in solving proof-of-work problems could translate into short-term material economic benefits in Bitcoin mining.

While current hardware limitations prevent immediate commercial deployment, QBT believes that early positioning and proprietary development in this field could provide a significant long-term competitive advantage.

Research Programme and Proprietary Assets

The resumed research programme focuses on both the evolution of quantum hardware and the development of quantum algorithms applicable to cryptographic hashing.

Importantly, QBT has developed an internal quantum implementation of the SHA-256 algorithm.   This represents a key proprietary asset that positions the Company ahead of many other early-stage research initiatives in this field.

This quantum SHA-256 capability will be deployed within QBT ’ s independent benchmarking framework, enabling the Company to evaluate and compare the performance of emerging quantum computing platforms as they evolve.

In particular, QBT will:

•                systematically monitor global developments in quantum computing architectures and scaling;

•                analyse advances in quantum algorithms relevant to hashing and optimisation; and

•                leverage its proprietary quantum SHA-256 implementation to benchmark real-world performance across different quantum platforms.

Outlook

While quantum computing is not yet capable of delivering practical advantages in Bitcoin mining, the pace of technological progress suggests that this could change rapidly in the short-term.

QBT ’ s strategy is to remain ahead of the curve, ensuring that it is technically prepared and strategically positioned to exploit any future breakthroughs as soon as they become commercially viable.

Francesco Gardin, CEO and Executive Chairman of QBT, commented , “ We are excited about the resumption of our quantum computing programme with the same university team, allowing us to build directly on the work already completed and accelerate our progress.

QBT already possesses a quantum implementation of SHA-256, which we believe represents a meaningful step forward and provides us with a strong foundation for benchmarking and future development.

While quantum computing is not yet ready for practical deployment in Bitcoin mining, we believe that early investment and proprietary capability in this area could translate into a significant competitive advantage in the future.”

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For further information please contact:

Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc   [phone]

Francesco Gardin, CEO and Executive Chairman

SP Angel Corporate Finance   (Nominated Adviser & Broker)   [phone]

Caroline Rowe / Devik Mehta

Leander   (Financial PR)   [phone]

Christian Taylor-Wilkinson

About Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc

QBT (AIM: QBT) is a London Stock Exchange AIM listed Research & Development and investing company focused on an intensive R&D programme to disrupt the Blockchain Technologies sector which includes, cryptocurrency mining and other advanced blockchain applications. The primary goal of the R&D programme is to develop Bitcoin mining tools and techniques, via its technology-driven approach, which the Company believes will significantly outperform existing market practices.

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