Innovate UK has awarded over £12 million ($15.5 million USD) to 10 projects as part of its Quantum Missions pilot competition, aimed at accelerating the commercialization and adoption of quantum computing (QC) and quantum networks (QN). The funding supports advancements in QC and QN technologies, addressing key barriers to scalability and real-world application. These projects align with the UK’s goal to deploy the world’s most advanced quantum network by 2035, ensuring leadership in quantum technologies.

The winning projects include:

  1. QUDITS2: Led by Vector Photonics, to develop a quantum communication platform using qudits for enhanced information storage and processing.
  2. PAGNet: Led by Alter Technology TUV Nord UK, to create a plug-and-play packaging solution for quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs) enabling low-loss, high-density quantum networks.
  3. SiQEC: Led by Quantum Motion Technologies, to demonstrate quantum error correction (QEC) in spin-based systems, a critical step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
  4. Hyperlon: Led by NU Quantum, to build a scalable qubit-photon interface (QPI) for distributed quantum computing.
  5. QNET-EPS: Led by Lumino Technologies, to develop a sovereign, high-performance entangled photon source (EPS) for quantum networking.
  6. EQUIN: Led by Toshiba Europe, to expand quantum key distribution (QKD) capabilities with entangled photons and quantum-resistant cryptography.
  7. SEQOND: Led by Redwave Labs, to design a high-fidelity quantum receiver using up-conversion technology for QKD and quantum networks.
  8. Q-TATA: Led by Oxford Ionics, to advance 2D trapping architectures for trapped-ion quantum computers, improving qubit routing and scalability.
  9. SEEQC’s QEC Readout Testbed: Led by SEEQC UK, to integrate scalable qubit readout systems with Rigetti’s quantum processors, enhancing error correction.
  10. Hybrid Testbed for Quantum Computing: Led by AEGIQ, to enhance single-photon sources and photonic qubit networking for fault-tolerant systems.

These initiatives aim to address critical challenges in quantum technologies, such as error correction, scalability, and secure communication. Projects like QUDITS2 and PAGNet focus on advancing quantum communication and photonic integration, while SiQEC and SEEQC’s QEC Readout Testbed target error correction and qubit readout. QNET-EPS and EQUIN aim to strengthen quantum networks with high-performance entangled photon sources and enhanced QKD systems.

The competition underscores the UK’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum technologies, with projects like Q-TATA and Hyperlon addressing scalability bottlenecks in trapped-ion and distributed quantum computing. By fostering innovation in QC and QN, these projects pave the way for breakthroughs in fields such as drug discovery, financial optimization, and secure communications.

For more details, visit the original announcement by UKRI here.

March 12, 2025

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