The UK government has announced £50 million (US$66 million) in funding to support quantum technology companies developing applications aimed at improving rail reliability, reducing NHS waiting times and strengthening national security. The investment, delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Sensing and Positioning, Navigation and Timing competition, is part of a broader national effort to accelerate commercial quantum innovation. The new funding aims to help UK businesses move from early testing to deployable products.
Rail, healthcare and defence projects selected
Among the winning projects is a quantum monitoring system led by MoniRail in the West Midlands. The system is designed to pinpoint faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment in locations where GPS cannot reach, enabling track staff to respond more quickly and potentially reducing last‑minute delays for commuters.
Siloton, based in Bristol and London, is developing a handheld quantum eye scanner intended to make advanced diagnostics available outside specialist hospitals. The smaller, portable device aims to improve access to eye care and help reduce NHS waiting lists.
ColdQuanta UK, located in Oxfordshire, is working on a compact, mobile quantum radio system capable of locating signals with high accuracy. The technology could support military operational intelligence, bolster the resilience of critical infrastructure such as airports, and assist emergency responders in locating distress signals.
Government strategy and additional investments
The funding supports the government’s goal of making the UK a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, backed by up to £2 billion in investment announced earlier this year.
Science, Innovation and Investment Minister Chris McDonald said: “Quantum has long been an exciting technology, but now real world applications are within our grasp. UK innovators are showing us what these breakthroughs could mean for our lives in the near future, from cutting down on train delays, to earlier appointments at in-demand areas of the NHS, to keeping our armed forces safe and connected as they protect our country. 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.”
UKRI is also investing £20 million to build domestic capability in quantum communication networks through its Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking competition. This includes support for Sheffield-based Aegiq to develop specialist components such as lasers and photonic chips, strengthening supply chains and maintaining UK leadership in quantum technologies.
An £8 million expansion of UKRI’s QuEST Apprentices Programme will create new routes into skilled quantum jobs. The programme aims to equip 150 apprentices by 2030 with the engineering and technical expertise needed to support the growing quantum workforce.
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for IS8 Quantum, said: “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. Backing innovation and skills through the IS8 Quantum Priority Programme delivers on the National Quantum Strategy, including through apprentices at Harwell developing the expertise industry needs for years to come.”
Projects receiving support
- QLM Technology Ltd (Wales) – Camera to detect and measure greenhouse gases in energy, water and waste infrastructure.
- Quantum Fabrix Ltd (QFX) (Oxford) – Next‑generation clock for satellites used in navigation, defence and communications.
- Monirail Ltd (West Midlands) – High‑accuracy positioning systems for trains to speed up fault detection and support signalling infrastructure.
- Siloton Ltd (London/Bristol) – Handheld eye scanner to reduce NHS waiting lists and expand community‑based medical screening.
- ColdQuanta UK Ltd (now operating as Infleqtion UK) (Oxford) – Compact mobile antenna for radio signal detection, with defence and civilian applications including search and rescue.
- Cerca Magnetics Ltd (Nottingham) – Wearable brain scanner intended for clinical use, particularly pre‑surgery scanning for epilepsy treatment.
The announcement coincides with the relaunch of Quantum City, an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council‑funded public engagement initiative. Presented at New Scientist Live, the initiative features a new website and updated resources highlighting training opportunities and career pathways aimed at inspiring future quantum talent.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, Quantum City is a collaboration developed by the network of UK Quantum Technology Hubs. Working in partnership with other key stakeholders, including the National Physical Laboratory and the National Quantum Computing Centre, it brings together expertise from across the national quantum landscape to showcase the potential of these emerging technologies and their societal benefits.
The government says these combined investments will help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of quantum innovation, supporting economic growth, job creation and long‑term national capability in a strategically important technology sector.
