The United States and the United Kingdom have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of a broader Technology Prosperity Deal, with a specific focus on accelerating collaboration in quantum technologies. The partnership aims to ensure that the two nations are “the first to realize true quantum advantage.”
The MOU outlines several key areas of cooperation for securing quantum advantage:
- Benchmarking and Algorithms: A joint taskforce will be created to accelerate breakthroughs in benchmarking quantum computing hardware, software, and algorithms. This is complemented by a “Quantum Code Challenge” to mobilize researchers to discover and deploy new quantum algorithms for real-world use cases.
- Standards and Sensing: The partnership will work to advance trusted, interoperable standards for quantum computing, sensing, and networking technologies. It will also accelerate the deployment of quantum sensing technologies from the lab to real-world environments through jointly supported research and testing at centers of excellence.
- Industry and Workforce: A new U.S.-UK Quantum Industry Exchange Program will be created to spur the adoption of quantum technologies across sectors like defense, health, finance, and energy. This is intended to be a reciprocal program with targeted end-user showcases.
- Harnessing AI: The collaboration will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing to accelerate quantum algorithm development and system readiness through coordinated research.
A tangible example of this partnership in action is a new National Science Foundation (NSF) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding opportunity. This initiative invites U.S. researchers with existing large-scale awards in quantum information science and technology (QIST) to apply for supplemental funding of up to $500,000. The funds will facilitate new or strengthened collaborations with UKRI Quantum Technology Research Hubs, with a focus on areas such as quantum sensors with real-world applications and quantum workforce development.
The deal reflects a shared strategic vision to combine the strengths of national labs, scientific expertise, and leading companies to deliver innovation and create high-skilled jobs. Read the full Memorandum of Understanding from the UK Government here, a related press release on the Technology Prosperity Deal here, and the NSF’s call for collaboration proposals here.
September 18, 2025