Quantum technologies

Home to a dynamic and globally recognised quantum ecosystem, the UK is consolidating its position as a world leader in quantum technologies, with strengths in quantum computing, communications, sensing, imaging and timing, and error correction for quantum computing.

The sector is underpinned by the flagship National Quantum Technologies Programme, and is a frontier industry in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. It benefits from strong support to help innovators scale, commercialise, and access world-class talent, infrastructure, and private investment.

Opportunity highlights

There are abundant opportunities for innovative quantum companies and cutting-edge corporates across a variety of sectors.

Healthcare and life sciences

Develop, supply, and deploy quantum solutions to accelerate drug discovery, enhance medical imaging, advance precision medicine, optimise clinical trials, and improve healthcare system efficiencies. Leverage the Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub’s (Q-BIOMED) for quantum sensing expertise, the Quantum Technology Research Hub’s in Sensing, Imaging, and Timing (QuSIT) for magnetomotery and quantum microscopy capabilities, and the quantum computing resources of the National Quantum Computing Centre.

Transport

Leverage world-class technical expertise, an established ecosystem of collaboration and research excellence to develop and commercialise position, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions across road, rail, air, and maritime, as well as in critical infrastructure monitoring. Collaborate with and harness the expertise of the Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing (QEPNT) Hub​, which specialises in quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes, germanium on silicon SPADs (single‑photon avalanche diodes) and quantum gradiometers.

Energy

The UK’s commitment to delivering clean power by 2030 is driving demand for advanced quantum technology solutions. Capitalise on this opportunity through grid optimisation, renewable energy integration, energy system management, and emissions monitoring. Businesses can tap into the technical expertise and specialised resources of the Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT), the Quantum Computing Centre, and the Energy Systems and Digital Catapults.

Financial services

Leverage growth areas to develop and deploy quantum solutions for risk management, portfolio optimisation, and post-quantum cryptography, while harnessing the UK Government’s £121 million investment in quantum technology to combat fraud and money laundering.

Aerospace and defence

Significant opportunities exist to collaborate with QEPNT and QuSIT to develop and deploy quantum sensing and navigation technologies. This includes quantum accelerometers, gyroscopes, optical atomic clocks and inertial navigation systems, resilient against GNSS-denial, spoofing and jamming. This is in addition to SPAD-based LiDAR for defence and targeting, and quantum-enabled radar and cryptographic solutions to enhance security and mitigate emerging risks.

Venture capital

As Europe’s largest venture capital market and the third largest globally, the UK acts as a launchpad for quantum innovators to secure capital and for investors to tap into a rapidly expanding pipeline of cutting-edge quantum companies.

Supply chain

Quantum tech companies can launch and scale rapidly by accessing Scotland’s powerhouse photonics cluster, state-of-the-art cryogenics facilities at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory in the North West of England and Harwell in the South East, and the world’s first purpose-built compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. Across industries, businesses can plug into this advanced supply chain to co-develop, source, and deploy cutting-edge quantum components and solutions.

Commercial maturity

The UK is already a global leader in quantum technologies, ranking second only to the USA in the number of quantum companies, with over 180 active in the sector, and second globally in private investment, making it the prime location for your business growth.

This leadership has been supported by consistent government backing over the past decade, through the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) over the past decade, which has created an advanced ecosystem of research, talent, and infrastructure ready to support your investment.

Key regional assets

Scotland

Scotland’s quantum ecosystem benefits from a well-established photonics cluster, responsible for around 40% of the UK’s research in quantum technologies over the last 10 years. Leading centres of excellence, including the Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT), the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub, the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, and the National Quantum Computing Centre’s Quantum Software Lab, offer world-class R&D facilities and technical expertise to accelerate innovation.

Wales

Wales is home to CSConnected, the world’s first and only dedicated compound semiconductor cluster. Companies can benefit from a reliable supply of semiconductor components and technologies, as well as access to advanced manufacturing capabilities, modelling, testing, and validation services to scale up and commercialise quantum hardware.

Oxfordshire, South East England

A global leader in quantum computing, Oxfordshire hosts the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) at Harwell Campus and the Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3), collaborating with businesses to identify and develop real-world applications.

Greater London

London is a major hub for quantum innovation, with more than 35 technology providers and supply chain companies, including Orca Computing, Quantum Motion, and Rigetti. The region hosts the Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED), advancing quantum sensors for healthcare, and the National Physical Laboratory, offering world-leading testing and assurance capabilities essential for quantum tech development and commercialisation.

Research & Development (R&D) capability

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) provides state-of-the-art labs for designing, building, and testing quantum hardware and software. Seven quantum testbeds are being developed at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, offering access to cutting-edge quantum hardware from a diverse range of leading technology providers.

NQCC’s Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh supports industry in developing tailored quantum software solutions, while the SparQ Applications Discovery Programme provides computing resources and technical expertise for users building quantum capability.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) offers world-class testing and evaluation facilities to accelerate innovation and product development. Businesses can access advanced quantum measurement expertise, including electrical, structural, and optical characterisation of 2D materials, as well as precise timing and synchronisation standards.

Companies can also collaborate with and benefit from the expertise of the five national quantum hubs that drive quantum innovation across healthcare, secure communications, and next-generation positioning systems.

Business and government support

Since 2014, over £1.1 billion has been invested through the National Quantum Technologies Programme. It has played a vital role in helping companies scale, catalysing £692 million of private co-investment in UK quantum technologies between 2018 and 2024. It also acts as a crucial launchpad for spin-outs and serves as an entry point for end users to explore commercial opportunities and develop prototype devices and products.

In 2025, £670 million has been allocated to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum computing over the next decade, with over £500 million of that funding dedicated to quantum computing over the next four years.

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Talent

The UK stands at the forefront of global innovation, driven by a world-class talent base cultivated through the National Quantum Technologies Programme. The UK also has the highest concentration of quantum-relevant talent per capita in the world, with over 1,700 professionals employed across the sector.

Centres for Doctoral Training, Doctoral Training Partnerships, and fellowship schemes are ensuring a robust pipeline of highly skilled talent for businesses. Over £100 million has already been committed to quantum PhD studentships and fellowships, with a total of 1,500 postgraduate research students in quantum-related disciplines set to be funded by 2034.