More than 50 researchers across 20 UK universities are building quantum computers that can solve problems conventional computers cannot touch. Quantum computing promises to transform how we design materials, plan logistics, and tackle complex calculations—but only if the machines can be built at scale. Today’s quantum processors are small, fragile, and difficult to connect. This Hub tackles that bottleneck head-on by developing integrated quantum processors, the wiring needed to link them into million-qubit machines, and the applications that will run on them. If the Hub succeeds, it could unlock practical quantum advantage within years. Better materials design could make batteries lighter and solar cells more efficient. Improved fluid dynamics modelling could sharpen weather forecasting and aircraft design. Quantum machine learning might accelerate drug discovery. These are not abstract possibilities—the Hub is building the hardware and software to test them on real problems, with 27 industrial partners and the National Quantum Computing Centre. The project also trains the next generation of quantum engineers and advises policymakers on regulation and standards. It is applied, collaborative, and aimed squarely at turning fundamental science into working technology.
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Over the next few decades, quantum computing (QC) will transform the way we design new materials, plan complex logistics and solve a wide range of problems that conventional computers cannot address. The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3) brings together >50 investigators across 20 universities to address key challenges, and deliver applications across diverse areas of engineering and science. We will work with 27 industrial partners, the National Quantum Computing Centre, the National Physical Laboratory, academia, regulators, Government and the wider community to achieve our goals. The Hub will focus on where collaborative academic research can make transformative progress across three interconnected themes: (T1) developing integrated quantum computers, (T2) connecting quantum computers, and (T3) developing applications for them. Objectives for each are outlined below. (T1) Developing integrated quantum computing systems, with a goal of creating quantum processors that will show real utility for specific problem examples. Objectives: OB1.1: Demonstrate quantum advantage in analogue platforms with neutral atoms and photons OB1.2: Make neutral atom quantum simulation platforms available in the cloud OB1.3: Develop new applications for these and other near-term systems (T2) A key challenge of building the million qubit machines of the future is that of 'wiring' together the quantum processors that will create such a machine. The Hub will develop technologies that help achieve this and develop models to understand how such machines will scale. Objectives : OB2.1: Develop interconnect technologies for quantum processors OB2.2: Demonstrate blind computing and multi-component networks with trapped ion quantum computers OB2.3: Demonstrate transduction and networking of superconducting processors (T3) Developing applications in science and engineering, including materials design, chemistry and fluid dynamics. Objectives: OB3.1: Develop new methods for materials and chemical system modelling and design, fluid dynamics, and quantum machine learning OB3.2: Identify the nearest routes to quantum advantage for these application areas OB3.3: Develop implementations of these algorithms on T1 and T2 Hardware These will be supported by work in overarching tools (T4) that can be used across the themes of the Hub, including error correction, digital twins, verification and software stack optimisation. Skills and training Hub partners will work with end-users, our students and researchers, and partners across the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP) to ensure members of the Hub have the skills they need. Specific objectives include: Provide training in innovation, commercialisation and IP, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to Hub partners Provide reports and training to end-users, working in partnership with the NQCC and others Continue to provide advocacy and advice to policy makers, through work in such areas as RRI Exploitation and Engagement: The Hub will build on the strong engagement activities of the UK programme, further developing the technology pipeline. We will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the UK ecosystem through events, networking and education. Specific goals are to: Broaden the partnership of the Hub, bringing new academic, government and industrial partners into the Hub network Contribute to regulation and governance through programmes of work in standards and RRI, and close collaboration with UKNQTP partners Support the generation and protection of intellectual property within the Hub, and its exploitation Develop Hub and cross-Hub outreach initiatives, working with the RRI team, to help ensure the potential of quantum computing for societal benefit can be realised
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