British firms developing quantum technologies will share £50 million to advance projects beyond early testing and into product development. The funding, delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Sensing and Positioning, Navigation and Timing competition, will support innovations ranging from railway fault detectors to portable eye scanners designed to speed up NHS diagnosis.
One winning project, led by MoniRail, aims to pinpoint railway faults where GPS signals fail, potentially reducing commuter delays. Science, Innovation and Investment Minister Chris McDonald said: “Quantum has long been an exciting technology, but now real world applications are within our grasp.”
£50 Million UKRI Funding Drives Quantum Technology Applications
Portable eye scanners are among the technologies expected to benefit from a new £50 million investment aimed at accelerating quantum technology development beyond laboratory testing. This initiative directly addresses the transition from theoretical research to practical applications, focusing on product development and strengthening UK supply chains for essential quantum components. The investment extends beyond healthcare, with a significant portion allocated to improving critical national infrastructure.
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for IS8 Quantum, explained that the funding will allow businesses to grow and maintain domestic expertise. This commitment to bolstering UK supply chains is coupled with a broader goal of establishing the nation as a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, backed by up to £2 billion in earlier investment.
The scheme also aims to train 150 engineering apprentices, equipping them with the skills needed to support the expanding quantum workforce and maintain Britain’s position in the field. Chris McDonald added, “We’re backing teams across the UK to turn bright ideas into products that make a real difference, growing the economy, creating new jobs, and ensuring we can be leaders in Quantum technology for decades to come.” This funding represents a strategic move to capitalize on quantum innovation, supporting economic growth and securing long-term leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Railway Fault Detection & NHS Diagnostics via Quantum Sensors
MoniRail’s quantum monitoring system will locate railway faults in areas where GPS signals are unavailable, potentially minimizing commuter disruptions, thanks to newly allocated funding. The West Midlands-based firm is developing a system that promises to pinpoint the precise location of track and signalling equipment failures, allowing for faster repairs and reduced delays, a critical improvement for a network reliant on consistent performance. Siloton, a company based in Bristol, is creating portable eye scanners designed to bring advanced diagnostics outside of hospital settings, increasing access to care for patients across the country.
The handheld devices will use quantum technology to deliver quicker and more accessible eye examinations, potentially reducing waiting lists and improving early detection of conditions that could otherwise progress untreated. UK, located in Oxfordshire, is building a compact quantum radio system capable of locating signals with high accuracy, even in challenging environments.
The system’s potential applications extend to operational intelligence for the military, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure like airports, and assisting emergency responders in locating distress signals, MoniRail says. This technology addresses a critical need for reliable communication and positioning in situations where conventional systems are compromised or unavailable. The funding will help these companies transition from early testing to fully realized products, furthering the UK’s position as a leader in quantum innovation and bolstering national security through advanced sensing capabilities.
Quantum Supply Chains & Skills Development for UK Industry
Aegiq, a Sheffield-based firm, will receive funding to develop specialist components like lasers and photonic chips, directly addressing a vulnerability in the UK’s quantum supply chain and ensuring domestic production of critical technology. This focus on component manufacturing moves beyond the development of complete quantum systems, recognizing that a robust supply chain is essential for long-term innovation and independence in the field. The investment aims to prevent reliance on potentially unstable international sources for key parts, securing the future of UK quantum industries.
The expansion of the QuEST Apprentices Programme, with an £8 million investment, will create 150 engineering apprenticeships by 2030, specifically designed to build a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and commercializing quantum technologies. These apprentices will focus on the practical skills needed to build, maintain, and operate quantum systems, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Beyond infrastructure and workforce development, funding also supports projects with direct societal impact. QLM Technology Ltd in Wales will use the funding to develop a camera capable of measuring greenhouse gases in critical infrastructure, including energy, water and waste facilities. This application demonstrates the versatility of quantum sensors, extending their use beyond traditional areas like computing and communications, according to MoniRail.
These technologies also address national security concerns, providing reliable navigation and communication for military and emergency responders when conventional systems fail. Professor Deane added, “These technologies also matter for our national security, giving our military and emergency responders reliable ways to navigate and stay connected even when conventional systems can’t be relied on.” The programme’s focus on both commercial viability and strategic importance highlights the UK’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum technologies.
This UKRI funding gives these businesses what they need to grow and take their technology further, while building strong UK supply chains that keep the parts quantum tech depends on here in the UK. These technologies also matter for our national security, giving our military and emergency responders reliable ways to navigate and stay connected even when conventional systems can’t be relied on.
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for IS8 Quantum
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