Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc – 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.»

-ends-

For further information please contact:

Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc+39 335 296573

Francesco Gardin, CEO and Executive Chairman

SP Angel Corporate Finance(Nominated Adviser & Broker)+44 (0) 20 3470 0470

Caroline Rowe / Devik Mehta

Leander(Financial PR)+44 (0) 7795 168 157

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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