The seemingly impossible is inching closer to reality: scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. As the International Year of Quantum draws to a close – punctuated by a Nobel Prize recognizing the foundational science – the National Quantum Computing Centre’s (NQCC) 2025 report reveals a landscape of accelerating progress and record-breaking investment – $7.84 billion globally this year alone. But this isn’t a race one nation or company can win solo. The NQCC’s latest findings underscore the critical need for sustained collaboration between government, academia, and industry to overcome remaining hurdles and unlock the transformative potential of this next-generation technology – a mission at the heart of the Centre’s ambitious 10-year program.
Quantum Computing Progress and Investment
2025 proved a pivotal year for quantum computing, marked by both significant scientific breakthroughs and unprecedented financial investment. The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physics to pioneers in energy quantisation underscored the foundational research driving the field, while advancements in quantum error correction, qubit fidelity, and scalable arrays demonstrated tangible progress towards fault-tolerant computing. This momentum was further fueled by a surge in private investment, reaching $7.84 billion globally – exceeding the total from the previous decade – alongside sustained government commitments. Despite these resources, the NQCC emphasizes that achieving scalable fault tolerance requires collaborative efforts, leading to expanded international partnerships with Japan and strengthened ties with the US, as well as new European collaborations. The completion of their quantum computing testbed initiative, now operational with seven commercial partners, and programs like SparQ, signal a focus on both technological development and building a robust user community prepared to leverage this emerging technology.
NQCC Technology Development & Partnerships
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is actively forging both technological advancements and crucial partnerships to accelerate the path towards large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing. In 2025, the centre completed deployment of its quantum computing testbed initiative, now operational with seven commercial partners, and entered a phase of rigorous technical evaluation alongside the University of Edinburgh’s Quantum Software Lab. This commitment extends internationally, demonstrated by new memoranda of understanding with Japan’s AIST and strengthened ties through the US-UK Tech Partnership. Beyond these collaborations, the NQCC is scaling its user base through the SparQ readiness program and disseminating knowledge via publications focused on quantum applications in healthcare, energy, and finance, complemented by hackathons and skills development initiatives – including PhD programs and secondments. These efforts underscore the NQCC’s belief that achieving scalable fault tolerance requires a collaborative ecosystem encompassing industry, government, and academia.
Organization, People & Future Initiatives
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is strategically structured for long-term success, bolstered by a decade-long commitment from the UK government and a collaborative spirit extending to international partners like Japan’s AIST and through the US-UK Tech Partnership. This year marked the completion of the NQCC’s quantum computing testbed deployment, now operational with seven commercial partners entering a phase of rigorous technical evaluation. Beyond infrastructure, the NQCC is actively scaling its user base via the SparQ readiness program and investing in the future quantum workforce through PhD programs, secondments, and dedicated skills initiatives. Looking ahead, 2025 initiatives prioritize translating quantum potential into real-world applications, with planned publications focusing on sectors like healthcare, energy, and fintech, alongside practical engagement via hackathons and detailed case studies—all reinforcing the NQCC’s commitment to a thriving and skilled quantum ecosystem.
