A 4,000m² The facility based at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is to house a new national quantum facility equipped with 12 quantum computers.

The Department of Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said the Harwell National Quantum Computing Center (NQCC) will provide open access to quantum computing technology to industry, academia and others. other sectors of the United Kingdom. The site will be supported by more than 70 employees and will offer summer internships for students and intensive courses for industry professionals. The NQCC will also offer a dedicated quantum apprenticeship program, with 30 doctoral scholarships.

The center is supported by an initial investment of £93 million, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). UKRI has also invested a further £50 million, including through the Technology Mission Fund.

DSIT said the NQCC’s systems will not be limited to government ownership or use, allowing anyone with a valid use case to exploit its cutting-edge capabilities. By foster collaboration and innovation, the government hopes the NQCC will become a key driver of quantum advancements, bringing transformative benefits to the public and private sectors.

Quantum technology is one of the bets the government is making to revive economic growth in create cutting-edge innovations which can be traded and exported, thereby increasing the UK’s GDP. DSIT said quantum computing also has a key role to play in supporting wider efforts to rebuild Britain. For example, by advancing science and technology, quantum computing will help create a more efficient, future-ready NHS and strengthen cybersecurity, ensuring safer streets and a stronger digital infrastructure for the future .

DSIT said the NQCC will focus on the use quantum computers to support projects such as energy grid optimization, drug discovery, climate prediction and AI advances to improve medical diagnostics and fraud detection, leading to better healthcare outcomes and more secure financial systems.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said the opening of the center marked “a vital milestone in the UK’s efforts to advance quantum technologies”.

“By making its facilities available to users across industry and academia, and with a focus on making quantum computers practically usable at scale, this center will help them solve some of the most big challenges we face, whether it’s advancing health care, improving energy. energy efficiency, the fight against climate change or the invention of new materials,” he said.

“The innovations that emerge from the work of the NQCC will ultimately improve lives across the country and ensure that the UK reaps the economic benefits of its leadership in quantum technologies. »

Speaking at the annual meeting of the International Electrotechnical Commission in Edinburgh earlier this week, Lord Vallance outlined how the Government is committed to helping businesses in the quantum sector grow, driving innovation that will fuel growth economic. Recent initiatives include £100 million for new quantum research hubs and funding for five quantum doctoral training centers, which will train more than 300 doctors over the next four years.