The UK announces five new quantum hubs
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced £100 million in government funding for five new quantum research hubs.
These five new hubs will be led by universities across the UK and will work closely with industry partners to build on world leading UK strength across a plurality of quantum technologies.
The UK's 'quantum hubs' model has provided world leading research and innovation since 2014. The renewal of this system, with five new hubs announced, underscores UK Government commitment to build on the long term success of the National Quantum Technologies Programme, continuing to place quantum technologies at the heart of its science and research ambitions.
The focus on practical use of quantum technology, emphasising industry and academic collaboration, is welcomed by techUK as a strong step towards supporting quantum commercialisation. We look forward to exploring how the research undertaken by these hubs translates into real-world applications that benefits UK society, economy and the planet.
Underscoring academic and industry collaboration, Minister Peter Kyle said, "This isn’t just about research; it’s about putting that research to work." You can see his full quote below.
The announced Quantum Technology Hubs are:
- The UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (University College London and University of Cambridge): Explores quantum sensors for ultra-sensitive disease diagnosis, including rapid blood tests, and biomedical scanners to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
- UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (University of Birmingham): Focuses on the development of quantum sensing for practical applications - brain scanners for dementia, cancer diagnostics, and advanced security and infrastructure monitoring.
- Integrated Quantum Networks Quantum Technology Hub (Heriot-Watt University): Aims to deliver the technologies for a future UK-wide ‘quantum internet’, enabling future-proof cybersecurity and powerful distributed quantum computing.
- The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (University of Oxford): Develops technologies for building quantum computers, advancing UK capabilities across hardware and software and targeting applications in a wide range of industry sectors.
- The UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (University of Glasgow): Creates quantum-based positioning and navigation systems for critical infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and improved indoor and underwater navigation.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, said:
We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives. That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs, by supporting the deployment of technology that will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy for us all.
This isn’t just about research; it’s about putting that research to work. These hubs will bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and practical solutions. They will not only transform sectors like healthcare and security, but also create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.
You can see the full anouncement on the Government website here
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
Elis Thomas
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.