The UK government has allocated a £45 million funding package to accelerate the adoption of quantum technology across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and transport. This initiative aligns with the UK Science and Technology Framework, which identifies quantum technologies as one of five critical areas alongside artificial intelligence, engineering biology, future telecommunications, and semiconductors.

The funding consists of two components: £30 million from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) for the development of quantum computing testbeds, and an additional £15 million from the Quantum Catalyst Fund to drive the application of quantum technology in both public and private sectors.

Seven NQCC testbeds have been established across the country, with the Quantum Catalyst Fund inviting organizations to propose projects that demonstrate the practical use of quantum technology. The government’s aim is to maintain the UK’s leadership in quantum technology, fostering innovation and economic growth in this transformative field.

The UK’s Science Minister Andrew Griffith emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting UK innovators and leveraging quantum technology to enhance public services. The government has outlined five “Quantum Missions” to achieve over the next decade, backed by a £2.5 billion Quantum Strategy fund, to solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in quantum technology.