University of Glasgow spin-out Quantcore has secured £2.5 million in seed funding to establish a sovereign manufacturing capability for critical quantum components. Operating from the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre, Quantcore is currently the only UK company manufacturing niobium-based components—a material allowing for operation at higher temperatures than those used by global competitors. This investment aims to bolster the UK’s domestic capacity in quantum technologies, vital for both national security and economic competitiveness. “This technology is extremely powerful,” says Dr. Jack Brennan, CEO and co-founder of Quantcore, “One of the main features of quantum computers is that they will be really good at cracking codes. So, as a country, you have to ask: do you want to wait until other countries have this capability, or do you want to get there first?” The company plans to expand its team from four to twelve employees within the next 18 months.
£2.5m Seed Funding Establishes UK Niobium Component Manufacturing
A uniquely positioned UK company is now the sole domestic manufacturer of niobium-based components, following a £2.5 million seed funding round secured by Quantcore. Niobium’s ability to function at higher temperatures than aluminium—a common material used by competitors—offers significant advantages in energy efficiency and scalability for quantum components utilized by UK national laboratories. Quantcore designs, manufactures, and tests superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors essential for both quantum computers and advanced sensing systems. These sensors extend beyond computing, promising advancements in secure communications and medical imaging with accuracy unattainable by classical technologies, potentially impacting fields like neuroscience and early disease detection. The company, founded in August 2025 by Dr Jack Brennan, Dr Valentino Seferai, Wridhdhisom Karar, and Prof Martin Weides, plans to expand its four-person team to twelve over the next 18 months.
Quantcore Spin-Out Addresses National Security & Quantum Computing Needs
This capability is central to establishing a sovereign supply chain, addressing growing concerns about national security and economic competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The company, established in August 2025 following its emergence from the University of Glasgow, isn’t solely focused on computational power. “This technology is extremely powerful,” said Dr.
University of Glasgow Drives Quantum Tech Commercialization & Growth
The University of Glasgow spin-out is currently the sole UK manufacturer of niobium-based components, a material advantage allowing operation at higher temperatures than the aluminium favoured by competitors. This innovation translates to energy savings and increased scalability for clients, including UK national laboratories, pushing the boundaries of quantum component performance.
Quantum technology is a core area of research excellence for the University. This activity is generating new innovations with potential for scalable economic impact via spin-out company creation.
Uzma Khan, Vice Principal, Economic Development and Innovation, University of Glasgow
