The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is seeking proposals to develop and deliver quantum computing testbeds, or prototype quantum computers, to boost the country’s capabilities in the field. The initiative enables characterisation, benchmarking, verification, and exploratory application development. The competition will be in two stages in partnership with Innovate UK, starting with an expression of interest call in May 2023, followed by an entire competition in September 2023.
National Quantum Computing Centre’s Initiative
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s central hub for quantum computing development. The organization aims to advance the country’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure. To achieve this, the NQCC plans to commission several projects to create quantum computing testbeds, which are prototype quantum computers. Establishing these testbeds is crucial for demonstrating and showcasing the technology.
The main objective of this initiative is to develop quantum computing testbeds for various purposes, including characterisation, benchmarking, verification, and exploratory application development. These activities align with the NQCC’s strategic role in helping to build the UK’s assured quantum computing infrastructure as an informed user of related products and services.
Partnership with Innovate UK
The NQCC is collaborating with Innovate UK to deliver this competition in two stages. Innovate UK is a government-backed organization that supports businesses in developing and realizing the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s research base.
Expression of Interest Call
The first stage of the competition is an expression of interest (EOI) call issued through the NQCC at the end of May 2023. This call invites interested parties to submit their proposals for developing and delivering quantum computing testbeds. The EOI call is an opportunity for researchers, businesses, and other stakeholders to showcase their ideas and capabilities in the field of quantum computing.
Full SBRI Competition
The second stage of the competition is a full Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, which will be delivered by Innovate UK. The SBRI competition is due to launch in September 2023. This stage will involve a more detailed evaluation of the submitted proposals, to select the most promising projects for funding and support.
Importance of Quantum Computing Testbeds
Quantum computing testbeds are essential for the growth and development of the UK’s quantum computing capabilities. By creating prototype quantum computers, researchers and businesses can demonstrate the potential of this cutting-edge technology and explore its various applications. This NQCC and Innovate UK initiative is a significant step towards establishing the UK as a global leader in quantum computing.
Executive Summary
The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is commissioning projects to develop prototype quantum computers (testbeds) to advance the country’s quantum computing capabilities. In partnership with Innovate UK, the initiative aims to deliver testbeds for characterisation, benchmarking, verification, and exploratory application development.
- The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) drives the UK’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure development.
- NQCC plans to commission projects to develop and deliver quantum computing testbeds (prototype quantum computers).
- Establishing testbeds is crucial for demonstrating and showcasing quantum computing technology.
- The initiative aims to deliver testbeds for characterisation, benchmarking, verification, and exploratory application development.
- NQCC’s strategic role is to help build the UK’s assured quantum computing infrastructure as an informed user of related products and services.
- The competition is being delivered in partnership with Innovate UK in two stages: an expression of interest (EOI) call issued by NQCC in May 2023 and a full SBRI competition provided by Innovate UK, launching in September 2023.
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