Insider Brief
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced £50 million for UK quantum technology projects, alongside separate funding for quantum networking infrastructure and workforce training.
- The funded projects include MoniRail‘s quantum railway monitoring system, Siloton‘s handheld quantum eye scanner and ColdQuanta UK’s compact quantum radio system for signal detection and navigation.
- UKRI is also allocating £20 million to quantum networking businesses and expanding its QuEST Apprentices Programme with £8 million to support training for quantum and engineering roles.
A share of £50 million is going to British businesses developing quantum technologies for uses that include keeping railways running, shortening eye scan waits and maintaining military connectivity, UKRI said.
The money forms part of a new government package. According to UKRI, the package is delivered through its Quantum Technologies Priority Programme, as part of its Industrial Strategy programme
The funding is aimed at companies building next-generation systems that could outperform current technology in critical areas.
Projects Named
Among the winning projects, as listed by UKRI:
- MoniRail, based in the West Midlands, is leading a quantum monitoring system that could locate faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment in places GPS cannot reach. UKRI said this would let track staff respond to problems as they arise and spare commuters last-minute delays.
- Siloton, based in Bristol, is developing a handheld quantum eye scanner. UKRI described it as designed to make advanced eye diagnostics available outside specialist hospitals through smaller, more accessible devices, and said it will improve access to care for patients nationwide.
- ColdQuanta UK, based in Oxfordshire, is being supported to develop a compact, mobile quantum radio system able to locate signals with high accuracy. According to UKRI, it could assist military operational intelligence, improve the resilience of critical infrastructure such as airports, and help emergency responders find distress signals.
The funding falls under the government’s broader aim of making the UK a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, UKRI reports. That aim was backed earlier this year by up to £2 billion in investment. The announcement coincides with further government action to support the foundations needed to turn quantum breakthroughs into a UK industry.
UKRI is also putting £20 million into UK-based businesses to build domestic capability in quantum networks, which it describes as a strategically important future quantum technology. Through its Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking competition, UKRI will support companies such as Sheffield-based Aegiq in developing specialist components, including lasers and photonic chips. The agency said this will strengthen supply chains and keep the UK at the forefront of quantum technology development.
Apprenticeship Expansion
An £8 million expansion of UKRI’s QuEST Apprentices Programme will open new routes into skilled quantum jobs, the agency said. It will help employers train the engineering technicians and specialist quantum technicians needed to build, maintain and commercialise the technologies.
The expansion includes QuEST North. The programme has so far supported businesses incubated at Harwell in Oxfordshire, and QuEST North extends that support to businesses in the North West. By 2030, UKRI said, the scheme aims to equip 150 apprentices studying engineering subjects to support the UK quantum workforce in businesses at the forefront of quantum technology.
Statements
Chris McDonald, Science, Innovation and Investment Minister, said:
“Quantum has long been an exciting technology, but now real world applications are within our grasp.”
“We’re backing teams across the UK to turn bright ideas into products that make a real difference, growing the economy, creating new jobs, and ensuring we can be leaders in Quantum technology for decades to come.”
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for IS8 Quantum, said:
“This UKRI funding gives these businesses what they need to grow and take their technology further, while building strong UK supply chains that keep the parts quantum tech depends on here in the UK.”
“These technologies also matter for our national security, giving our military and emergency responders reliable ways to navigate and stay connected even when conventional systems can’t be relied on.”