Area of investment and support

Commercialising quantum technologies challenge

The challenge provides funding for commercialising products and technologies based on quantum science.

It builds on the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) to drive innovation across sectors including automotive, healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunications, cybersecurity and defence.

• Budget: Total of £174 million, supported by £390 million from industry
• Duration: 2018 to 2025
• Partners involved: Innovate UK

The scope and what we're doing

This challenge is investing more than £174 million, supported by over £390 million from industry, to advance the commercialisation of new products and technologies based on advances in quantum science.

We’re building on the UK NQTP to drive innovation across a range of sectors including:

• automotive
• cybersecurity
• defence
• healthcare
• infrastructure
• telecommunications

The challenge comprises main four areas to support the UK quantum industry:

• funding for collaborative research and innovative ideas aiming to deliver new quantum-enabled product and service innovations
• a programme of industry-led technology, research and development projects, each addressing specific challenges
• a series of feasibility projects looking at innovative components and supply chain elements across the quantum sector
• running an investment accelerator to support early-stage, spin-out and start-up quantum technologies companies in securing venture capital

Challenge Director Roger McKinlay introduces some of the companies and research organisations driving the UK quantum revolution. Overview of the commercialising quantum technologies challenge (Vimeo).

Opportunities, support and resources available

Find funding opportunities

Search for UK Research and Innovation Challenge Fund and wider quantum technologies funding opportunities.

Past projects, outcomes and impact

Funded and announced projects

UK quantum technologies challenge project directory.
This directory sets out the businesses and projects bringing about the commercialisation of quantum technologies in the UK.

Find out how five new inventions backed by the challenge are delivering real-world benefits to multiple industries.

YouTube: watch how using quantum-enabled cameras could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

YouTube: watch ORCA Computing explain how quantum computing is the moon landing of our generation.

The pioneer projects

In 2018 we invested £20 million of ‘pioneer’ funding, supporting the development of four prototype quantum-enabled devices.

Underground survey sensor

RSK led a project with a consortium of businesses and universities to use quantum sensors to detect objects underground. Helping road and rail construction projects to avoid unexpected obstructions.

Atomic clock back-up

Manufacturer Teledyne e2V led a project to develop a prototype of a miniature atomic clock, as a back-up for crucial infrastructure services if the current standard timing service, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, is disrupted.

Secure encryption

Toshiba Research Europe led a project to develop the UK supply of low-cost integrated chips. Enabling more secure transmission of data using new encryption technologies.

Keeping data safe

Cyber security company ArQit created advanced receivers to pick up quantum key signals. Flagging to companies if the data they are transmitting has been accessed by others.

Who to contact

Email: quantumchallenge@iuk.ukri.org

Last updated: 29 November 2023