UK Government announces further investment into quantum

Speaking via recorded address at the opening of the 4th Annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2025 event, Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, said the UK was entering a new phase in quantum development: “The science has reached a stage when [commercialisation] is one of the great challenges.”

The new funding, delivered through Innovate UK, will support an innovation competition focused on speeding the adoption of quantum sensing solutions across sectors including healthcare, transport, defence, construction, and energy.

This announcement builds on the recent £121 million investment in the UK’s quantum sector. Lord Vallance reiterated the Government’s long-term commitment to quantum, stating: “The UK quantum sector continues to be central to this government’s mission for growth.”

He also outlined five national quantum missions, which include equipping NHS Trusts with quantum sensing-enabled solutions by 2030, and delivering the UK’s most advanced quantum network at scale by 2035.

In addition to sensing, the Government is investing £22.5 million into quantum computing and networking projects, supporting the National Quantum Computing Centre and associated skills development. Vallance described the centre as “unique in the world” due to its cross-technology access for SMEs, academia, and industry.

On regulation and international collaboration, Lord Vallance highlighted the UK Quantum Regulators Forum and a recent cooperation agreement signed with Japan, adding to partnerships with the US, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

He closed with a direct appeal to the sector: “If you’re a quantum innovator, please keep doing what you’re doing, and make sure that you get involved with the UK programmes to help you… If you’re an investor and you’re not investing in this exciting technology – why not?”

The keynote reinforced the UK’s strategic shift from research leadership to market adoption, positioning commercial quantum technologies as a key component of the country’s future industrial strategy.