UKRI Backs UK Quantum Businesses With Share of £50 Million

Insider Brief

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced £50 million for UK quantum technology projects, alongside separate funding for quantum networking infrastructure and workforce training.
• The funded projects include MoniRail‘s quantum railway monitoring system, Siloton‘s handheld quantum eye scanner and ColdQuanta UK’s compact quantum radio system for signal detection and navigation.
• UKRI is also allocating £20 million to quantum networking businesses and expanding its QuEST Apprentices Programme with £8 million to support training for quantum and engineering roles.

A share of £50 million is going to British businesses developing quantum technologies for uses that include keeping railways running, shortening eye scan waits and maintaining military connectivity, UKRI said.

The money forms part of a new government package. According to UKRI, the package is delivered through its Quantum Technologies Priority Programme, as part of its Industrial Strategy programme

The funding is aimed at companies building next-generation systems that could outperform current technology in critical areas.

Projects Named

Among the winning projects, as listed by UKRI:

• MoniRail, based in the West Midlands, is leading a quantum monitoring system that could locate faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment in places GPS cannot reach. UKRI said this would let track staff respond to problems as they arise and spare commuters last-minute delays.
• Siloton, based in Bristol, is developing a handheld quantum eye scanner. UKRI described it as designed to make advanced eye diagnostics available outside specialist hospitals through smaller, more accessible devices, and said it will improve access to care for patients nationwide.
• ColdQuanta UK, based in Oxfordshire, is being supported to develop a compact, mobile quantum radio system able to locate signals with high accuracy. According to UKRI, it could assist military operational intelligence, improve the resilience of critical infrastructure such as airports, and help emergency responders find distress signals.