National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)

Finding solutions to climate change. Speeding up the discovery of new materials. Quantum computing has the potential to change our world by solving intractable problems that are beyond even today’s supercomputers. The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) will ensure the UK is at the forefront of quantum innovation.

What is it?

Opening its doors for collaborations in 2022, the NQCC will be a landmark facility at Harwell that will drive quantum technologies in the UK and secure a top-table seat in the emerging quantum economy. With a total of £93 million of funding, the ground-breaking centre (which is due for completion in 2023) will build on the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), which was set up to ensure the transfer of quantum tech from laboratory to industry.

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What will it do?

Quantum is not conventional computing. It harnesses complex effects that exist at the level of atoms, electrons and photons. It involves encoding and processing data by controlling simultaneous quantum states, relying on the phenomena of superposition and entanglement.

Housed in a low-carbon, energy-efficient building, the NQCC will provide state-of-the-art R&D capabilities. Laboratory space will include optical and cryogenic qubit platforms, and collaboration spaces will be tailored to teams working across the ecosystem – from quantum hardware and control systems to software, algorithms and applications.

Quantum apps will advance technologies in many sectors from life science and climate science to aerospace, engineering, telecommunications and even logistics. The National Quantum Computing Centre will drive economic progress in the UK and speed up discovery and invention for the benefit of people everywhere by identifying the most efficient uses of our precious resources.

Who can use it?

The NQCC will collaborate closely with the academic community, including other research institutions and laboratories, and provide training to PhD students. It is a national resource for UK industry and will form partnerships with major players and SMEs.