UK Government Unveils £121 Million Investment to Supercharge Quantum Technology
On April 14, 2025, the UK Government announced a major £121 million investment to fast-track the development and deployment of quantum technologies. The funding is aimed at tackling financial crime, enhancing public services, creating high-skilled jobs, and securing the UK’s position as a global quantum leader.
Part of the National Quantum Technologies Programme, this investment seeks to turn pioneering research into practical, real-world applications—transforming sectors from healthcare to national security.
Strategic Investment Highlights For Quantum Technology
The £121 million package is being distributed across a wide range of initiatives to maximise impact and speed up innovation:
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£46.1 million through Innovate UK to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology in areas including quantum computing, networking, sensing, and Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).
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£21 million for the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to support its testbed programme in collaboration with Innovate UK, and further work by the Quantum Software Lab in discovering how quantum computing can reshape industries.
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£10.9 million to the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to boost its quantum measurement programme, encouraging wider business adoption of the technology.
Building the UK’s Quantum Technology Workforce
Recognising that talent is as vital as technology, a significant portion of the funding is devoted to developing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers:
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£23.6 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to support five quantum research hubs, with £3 million earmarked for training and skills programmes.
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£15.1 million for 11 Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships, enabling researchers to explore quantum’s potential in applications such as drug discovery and disease diagnostics.
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£4.3 million from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to support early-career researchers and fund new quantum-enabled apprenticeships.
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
This investment aligns with key government priorities:
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Preventing financial crime: Quantum technologies are expected to revolutionise the detection and prevention of fraud and money laundering—potentially saving billions for the UK economy.
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Enhancing public services: From more efficient energy systems to advances in healthcare diagnostics, quantum innovation promises tangible improvements for citizens.
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Supporting business and job creation: The funding will help scale quantum-based solutions across industries, sparking new ventures and high-value employment opportunities as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Government Vision
Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the transformative potential of quantum technology:
“Quantum technology has the potential to transform our economy and society—from stopping fraudsters in their tracks to revolutionising drug discovery. This investment ensures we continue to lead on the global stage.”
Today’s announcement also rounds up earlier government investments—such as the Quantum Missions Pilot competition and ongoing support for the five research hubs—bringing the total UK commitment to quantum R&D over the next 12 months to £121 million.
By pairing cutting-edge research with meaningful support for skills, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, the UK is cementing its position as a pioneering force in one of the most powerful scientific frontiers of the 21st century.
