Researchers and businesses will gain access to the world’s most advanced quantum computers, as the government commits to ushering in a new era of computing over the next decade.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support the development and roll-out of large-scale quantum computers in the UK.
This is part of a wider £2 billion quantum package announced by the Technology Secretary and Chancellor to keep the UK at the forefront of quantum innovation.
Boosting confidence to innovate
The UK is taking a full-stack approach to quantum computing, spanning both hardware and software.
Leading this effort are the National Quantum Computing Centre and the Quantum Software Lab at The University of Edinburgh.
Backed by £20 million, they will independently test, benchmark and validate cutting-edge quantum computing systems, giving industry and researchers the confidence to innovate at pace.
Other initial UKRI investments include £13.8 million to the National Quantum Technology Hubs and £12 million to a dedicated commercialisation skills centre to bring ideas from lab into the real world.
Rolling out quantum at scale
The UK is the first country in the world to commit to the roll-out of quantum computing at this scale, a move that could add £200 billion to the economy by 2045.
A first of its kind procurement programme invites companies from across the globe to partner with the UK.
Proposals will range from hardware, processors and manufacturing through to sustained investment in UK supply chains.
Better access to cutting-edge hardware
Prototypes of the most advanced quantum computers in the world will be developed and assessed.
The most promising systems will then come online for use by researchers, the public sector, and businesses.
For researchers developing next-generation quantum algorithms, access to real quantum hardware marks a step-change for UK science.
Turning research into real-world applications
The UK is a world-leading nation in quantum technologies, ranking third globally for the quality and impact of its quantum research, and is home to more quantum technology start-ups than any other European country.
UKRI has long invested in research to advance quantum knowledge.
Today’s investment will accelerate the translation of fundamental research into real-world application that will improve lives and drive growth.
Investment in the future
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:
I am determined this country grasps the benefits Quantum computing will bring.
It is only by keeping pace with technological progress that we can deliver the high-paid jobs, cutting-edge public services, and innovations which change lives.
Today’s announcements are an investment in our future – unlocking better health, wealth, and more opportunities for communities across the country.
This government is ushering in a Quantum leap – making the choice today to back UK scientists, companies, and innovators so we can deliver a future that works for all.
A shift in pace
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for Quantum, said:
Quantum technology holds transformative potential across everything from healthcare and renewable energy to national security and defence.
Today’s announcement signals a shift in pace towards turning research into commercial deployment that delivers meaningful benefits for people across the country.
It reflects years of sustained government and UKRI investment in the UK’s quantum research base and the nurturing of exceptional talent, skills and partnerships that have made this moment possible.
More funding for flagship research hubs
An additional £13.8 million will be injected into the national Quantum Technology Hubs.
As existing UKRI investments, the hubs have strengthened UK capabilities across the full breadth of quantum technologies, spanning:
- communications
- computing
- imaging
- sensing
- timing
The hubs have developed cutting-edge applied research programmes in partnership with over 120 industrial partners, ensuring that world-class academic research is translated into real-world impact and commercial opportunity.
Building skills for the future
A further £12 million investment by UKRI, will ensure the UK has the skills to translate research into real-world impact through a dedicated commercialisation skills centre.
The centre will help bring ideas from the lab into the real world.
This new investment will back the current and next generation of quantum leaders to build careers at the forefront of the field.
Funding opportunity details will be available through the UKRI funding finder in April 2026.