The UK government has announced a series of new funding initiatives aimed at advancing quantum technology commercialisation, skills development, and adoption across various sectors. The announcements include £138 million designated for cross-government quantum sensing procurement, £12 million for the establishment of a national quantum commercialisation skills centre, and £35 million allocated for developing quantum networking testbeds.
This funding is part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK’s position in the quantum technology sector, highlighted by the release of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) impact report. According to the report, an investment of £300 million in public funds from 2014 to 2024 has led to the creation of over 2,000 skilled jobs, the establishment of 74 spinout companies, and the attraction of £482 million in private investment.
The announcements coincide with the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Showcase taking place in London, which is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants from various fields, including research, industry, and investment. Organised by Innovate UK, the event aims to demonstrate the latest advancements in quantum technologies and foster collaborations and commercial opportunities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore quantum innovations, such as a chip that enables eye scans in local clinics, sensors for detecting underground hazards with minimal disruption, and advanced atomic clocks to enhance national security operations. The recent funding is also seen as a response to the £30 million investment from the Ministry of Defence, the department’s largest investment in quantum technology to date, aimed at bolstering capabilities in healthcare, transportation, and defence.
Chris McDonald, Science, Innovation and Investment Minister, emphasised the importance of these investments in making the UK a leader in the quantum field. He stated, “The race to lead the quantum age is on, and Britain is starting from a position of strength.” He also underscored the initiative’s potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth through increased investment in quantum businesses.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence announced the development of a Defence Quantum Action Plan, intended to assess the use of quantum technologies for national security. Details are expected to follow in the New Year.
Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness, remarked, “If we get this right, we can strengthen our Armed Forces, support British innovation and growth, and turn the UK’s quantum strengths into lasting strategic edge.”
To further close the gap between research and commercial success, UKRI’s Engineering, Physical Sciences and Research Council has selected a consortium led by Imperial College London to establish the national Quantum Commercialisation Skills Centre. This initiative, funded with £12 million, aims to boost entrepreneurship in the quantum sector.
Meanwhile, £35 million in funding from Innovate UK will support two upcoming calls for quantum networking testbeds, set to launch in February 2027, which will facilitate technology development and testing. Quantum sensors are already impacting healthcare and other industries, enhancing technologies like wearable devices and brain scanners.
The Showcase will feature numerous quantum innovations that exemplify the practical applications of this technology and confirm the UK’s status as a leader in the quantum space.
