In a wide-ranging BBC report, Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman explores the rapidly accelerating quantum technology landscape from super-powered computation and next-generation sensors to breakthroughs in healthcare, navigation and national security. Her piece highlights growing UK leadership in the field, including insight from Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) at Harwell, who emphasises the vital role quantum clocks, gyroscopes and magnetometers will play in protecting the nation’s critical navigation and timing infrastructure. As Kleinman notes, while the sector is still in its infancy, its potential impact spans everything from personalised medicine to secure communications, positioning Harwell and the wider UK at the forefront of the quantum future.

Just last week – Harwell Campus launched its new Quantum Cluster, signifying a pivotal step in the nation’s ambition to lead the global quantum revolution. The cluster will accelerate quantum innovation, scale emerging technologies, and aim to create over 1,000 high-value jobs and £1 billion in investment into the UK over the next decade.

Coinciding with the launch, the cluster has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Quantum Exponential Group plc (QEG), the UK’s first listed investment company focused solely on quantum technology to drive the commercialisation, scale-up, and global competitiveness of UK quantum innovation.

The partnership between Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and QEG is designed to accelerate the market readiness and investment pipeline of UK quantum businesses.

Under this MOU, Harwell and QEG will establish a dedicated quantum technology fund to support early-stage quantum start-ups with funding, mentorship, access to networks, and world-leading research infrastructure. The initiative will nurture the next generation of UK quantum businesses, helping them to attract investment, commercialise research, and scale into global markets.

You can read more about the launch here.