The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, led by Heriot-Watt University and supported by £42 million in funding from EPSRC and industry contributions, has launched to develop secure quantum communication infrastructure for the UK. The hub unites 12 leading universities, two national laboratories, and over 40 industrial partners to advance scalable quantum networks, leveraging entanglement and quantum measurement capabilities beyond classical systems.
This initiative aligns with the UK government’s goal to establish global leadership in quantum network infrastructure by 2035, as outlined in its national quantum strategy. The hub aims to realize transformative applications in secure communications, distributed computing, and ultra-sensitive sensing while fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government stakeholders.
The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub is building on the UK’s enormous strengths in quantum research and combines our world-class academic base with leading industry partners from across the telecommunications, space, security and quantum technology sectors. We have a hugely ambitious vision to establish UK leadership in quantum networking however, through this Hub, we have assembled an extraordinary partnership to help deliver this.
Professor Gerald BullerIQN Hub Leader
The Launch of the UK Integrated Quantum Networks Hub
The UK Integrated Quantum Networks Hub was officially launched on April 10, 2025, marking a significant step in advancing quantum technology research. Spearheaded by Heriot-Watt University, the hub received substantial funding of over £42 million from EPSRC, complemented by industry contributions. This initiative brings together 12 leading universities, two national laboratories, and over 40 industrial partners to foster innovation in secure quantum communications infrastructure.
The launch event in Edinburgh gathered over 120 attendees, including key representatives from government agencies such as DSIT, UKRI, GCHQ, NCSC, and Dstl. The hub’s work aligns with the UK’s national quantum strategy, which seeks to establish advanced quantum infrastructure by 2035. Tom Newby of DSIT highlighted the potential of quantum technology in driving economic growth through skills development and innovation.
Expert discussions at the event focused on technologies like quantum memories and network designs that integrate with existing fiber-optic systems. The hub also advances satellite-based communication projects, such as SPOQC, alongside supporting technologies including quantum light sources and detectors.
Andrew Lord from BT emphasized the hub’s goal of moving beyond Quantum Key Distribution toward enabling connections between quantum computers. Professor Buller underscored the initiative’s collaborative nature, aiming to position the UK at the forefront of quantum networking through partnerships.
This initiative, which is part of a £106 million investment by UKRI across five quantum hubs, also involves contributions from BBSRC, MRC, and NIHR. Heriot-Watt University’s leadership in physics research highlights its commitment to translating scientific advancements into practical applications across sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The hub fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation clusters, fostering real-world impact and positioning the UK as a global leader in quantum technology.
The UK’s Ambitious National Quantum Strategy
The UK Integrated Quantum Networks Hub is at the forefront of developing secure and scalable quantum communication networks. Leveraging principles such as entanglement and superposition, the hub focuses on advancing technologies like quantum memories for data storage and network architectures that integrate with existing fiber-optic infrastructure.
A key initiative within this strategy is the SPOQC project, which explores satellite-based quantum communication to establish secure long-distance connections. This effort is supported by advancements in enabling technologies, including quantum light sources and detectors, critical for reliable data transmission.
Collaboration between academia, industry, and government remains central to the hub’s mission of translating technological innovations into practical applications across sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and precision manufacturing. By fostering partnerships and driving innovation clusters, the UK aims to solidify its position as a global leader in quantum networking while ensuring national security and economic growth through cutting-edge technology development.
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