At least in most countries in Europe, where a PhD is expected to be a paid job, and unless you are from a really rich institution, you need grant money to take PhD students. There is no other way to do it, except for taking unpaid students, which is typically not considered an ethical thing to do.

And yes, sadly, being successful in asking for funding means pitching the hot topics du jour, which typically don't coincide with the most important or interesting things to do from a scientific point of view. Although asking for grants in quantum computer having zero experience in it does sound a bit too much.

We really need funding to go to people, not projects. Having to pitch specific projects when asking for funding does more harm than good IMO.