The UK Government has announced a £121 million package of investment in quantum technology, with a significant focus on tackling challenges including crimefighting, identifying early signs of fraud and preventing money laundering.

The funding forms part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, a long-term plan to support early-stage research and help translate quantum technologies research into the marketplace. It also aims to help the UK achieve its National Quantum Missions, the Government’s plan to ensure the technology delivers positive results for private and public sectors.

The announcement was made on World Quantum Day, an international initiative promoting awareness of the significant opportunities offered by quantum science and technology. The funding includes a round up of earlier investments from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK, with the full breakdown as follows:

• £46.1 million through Innovate UK to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology across a range of sectors, including computing, networking, PNT (position, navigation and timing) and sensing.
• £21 million to further the work of the National Quantum Computing Centre, including their testbed programme with Innovate UK, with support from the Quantum Software Lab to accelerate the discovery of more ways that quantum can overhaul how problems can be solved.
• £10.9 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s (NPL) quantum measurement programme to encourage more businesses to make full use of the technology

Additionally, £23.6 million will be awarded to support the next generation of leaders in quantum research, including through EPSRC support for five research hubs announced in 2024, featuring a £3 million investment into training and skills programmes:

• £15.1 million from EPSRC to 11 Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships to find more real-world applications for quantum, from drug discovery to disease diagnostics.
• £4.3 million from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to back early- career researchers and Quantum- enabled apprenticeships.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

‘The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.’

Further details of the funding are available at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) website.