UK backs quantum technology firms with £50m funding for defence, rail and GPS-free navigation

The UK Government is investing £50 million to help turn quantum innovations into real-world products. The funding will support technologies that could improve military communications, identify railway faults faster and strengthen critical national infrastructure.

The package also includes support for quantum networking, supply chains and specialist skills. Ministers hope it will help cement the UK’s position as a global leader in quantum technology by 2030.

How does Quantum technology work?

Quantum technologies use the behaviour of tiny particles including atoms to do things that are difficult or impossible with today’s technology. This includes quantum sensors, which can make extremely precise measurements to help with everything from healthcare and transport to defence, infrastructure and national security.

Businesses turning this new science into commercial solutions are being backed with a share of £50 million, as part of a new government package to unleash the potential of one of the defining technologies of our generation.

Direct support will help companies build next-gen systems for critical applications

Delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Sensing and Positioning, Navigation and Timing competition, it will directly support companies building next-generation systems that could outperform today’s technology in critical areas. The funding will help companies build on early testing and turn their innovations into products that make a difference in the real world.

Winning projects include a quantum monitoring system, led by West Midlands-based MoniRail, which could pinpoint the precise location of faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment where GPS is unable to reach. That means track staff being able to deal with problems as soon as they arise.

Oxfordshire-based Coldquanta UK is being backed to develop a compact, mobile quantum radio system that can locate signals with high accuracy. It could support operational intelligence in the military, strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure such as airports and help emergency responders locate distress signals.

How quantum tech funding will develop innovative breakthroughs into real world solutions

The funding forms part of the government’s wider goal to make the UK a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, backed by up to £2 billion investment earlier this year.

Science, Innovation and Investment Minister Chris McDonald said: “Quantum has long been an exciting technology but now real world applications are within our grasp.

“UK innovators are showing us what these breakthroughs could mean for our lives in the near future, from cutting down on train delays, to earlier appointments at in-demand areas of the NHS, to keeping our armed forces safe and connected as they protect our country.

“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.”

The announcement comes as the government takes further action to back the foundations needed to turn quantum breakthroughs into a thriving UK industry.

This new package will complement other UK Government initiatives such as the UK Quantum Growth Alliance – launched during London Tech Week in June this year and convened by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – which is a government-industry partnership bringing together British companies including BAE Systems, BP, BT, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce and Vodafone, to play a key role in shaping how the UK translates its pioneering research into real-world capability and accelerate the adoption of quantum tech across the country, to secure economic growth and strategic advantage.

Building domestic quantum capabilities in communication networks, skills and supply chains

Innovate UK is investing £20 million in UK-based businesses to build domestic capability in quantum communication networks, a strategically important future quantum technology.

Through its Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking competition, Innovate UK will support companies like Sheffield-based Aegiq to develop specialist components, such as lasers and photonic chips, strengthening supply chains and keeping the UK at the forefront of developing quantum technologies.

Meanwhile an £8 million expansion of UKRI’s QuEST Apprentices Programme will create new routes into skilled quantum jobs, helping employers train the engineering technicians and specialist quantum technicians needed to build, maintain and commercialise these technologies. By 2030 the scheme aims to equip 150 apprentices studying engineering subjects with the ability to support the growing UK quantum workforce, helping to maintain Britain as a global leader in the technology.

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.

“Backing innovation and skills through the IS8 Quantum Priority Programme delivers on the National Quantum Strategy, including through apprentices at Harwell developing the expertise industry needs for years to come.”