The size of the global quantum market is expected to be $106 billion by 2040* – and the UK is at the forefront.  

So, it’s exciting that Government chose Harwell to be the home of its new National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). The strategic hub and the national laboratory was backed by an initial £93 million of investment through UKRI*, and aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible using quantum computing technology.  

The NQCC offers a 4,000 sq. metre state-of-the-art building including meeting, office and laboratory spaces to host 12 quantum computers by spring 2025, which will support breakthrough projects. 

Currently, more than 70 people work in the NQCC, and it provides an array of opportunities for students – including support for the quantum apprenticeships, 30 PhD studentships over 8 years, summer placements, quantum hackathons, and crash courses for those in industry.  

It’s all designed to support the development of quantum hardware, software, and applications. And, it is built just a few metres away from the existing critical research facilities of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as well as several businesses within the quantum supply chain.  

Najwa Sidqi is the Manager of the Harwell Campus Quantum Cluster – a growing community of innovative quantum businesses. She said: “The NQCC represents a significant investment in the UK’s quantum future, and Harwell was selected as its location due to its secure environment and the presence of critical research assets. We recognise the transformative potential of quantum technology to drive economic growth, and we are committed to ensuring a strong return on investment by focusing on skills development and fostering collaborations across the sector.” 

National importance of quantum technologies  

In the last decade, government spent £1 bn on quantum development – that is now set to rise to £2.5 bn over the next 10 years.  

The UK’s quantum technology sector is now the second largest globally, backed by substantial private investment and with a thriving ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and talent.  

Government aims to use quantum technology to help kickstart economic growth. It wants to commercialise and export innovations, boost GDP and tackle complex challenges like optimising the NHS, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and safety in the public realm. 

About NQCC

The NQCC is set to harness the power of quantum computing to solve real-world problems that affect both individuals and industries. The Centre will focus on key areas where quantum computing can offer impactful solutions, including:  

• Energy grid optimisation – Analysing vast amounts of data in real time to identify the most efficient ways to balance energy supply and demand, preventing power outages and minimising energy losses 

• Faster drug discovery – Speeding up the analysis of molecular structures to accelerate the development of new medicines and offer faster treatments for life-threatening conditions 

• Climate prediction – Process vast amounts of data to enhance climate modelling, and underpin far more accurate predictions and responses  

• Advances in AI – Supercharge artificial intelligence in areas such as medical diagnostics and fraud detection, leading to better healthcare outcomes and more secure financial systems. 

On officially opening the NQCC, Science Minister Lord Vallance, said: “The innovations that will emerge from the work the NQCC will do will ultimately improve lives across the country and ensure the UK seizes the economic benefits of its leadership in quantum technologies.” 

*- The I investment is delivered through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).  

*- McKinsey & Company – quantum-technology-monitor-april-2023.pdf