United Kingdom launches $2.7 bn quantum computing programme

In March 2026 the UK government announced a £2.7 bn (approximately $2.7 bn) investment to accelerate quantum technology. The package includes more than $1.3 bn to develop large‑scale quantum computers by the early 2030s and a comparable amount to support research hubs, industry scaling, quantum networking, sensing, navigation and skills development. Funding will flow to the National Quantum Computing Center, the University of Edinburgh’s Quantum Software Lab and five national quantum research hubs covering biomedical sensing, imaging, integrated networks, computing implementations and navigation.

The programme is part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and is expected to generate up to $270 bn of economic value and create over 100,000 jobs over two decades. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) continue to lead the national quantum technologies agenda, celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and strengthening partnerships with Japan and Europe.

The initiative positions the United Kingdom as the third‑largest quantum research nation globally and the leader in Europe for quantum start‑ups and investment, seeking to translate quantum advances into health‑care, energy, finance and security applications.