Quantum Computing
Accelerating progress and innovation in quantum computing
Addressing challenges in quantum computing
The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3) brings together over 50 investigators across leading UK universities, and works in collaboration with industrial partners, the National Quantum Computing Centre, the National Physical Laboratory, regulators, government bodies, and the wider community. Our goal is to address the most critical research challenges in quantum computing.
Network of partnerships
Through this extensive network of partnerships, the Hub is advancing the technical capabilities required for scalable quantum computing and simulation. We are committed to ensuring the UK is ‘quantum ready’—engaging with end users, industries, and the public to align quantum technology development with real-world needs.
Leader in the quantum economy
By accelerating research, fostering collaboration, and driving national readiness, QCi3 plays a central role in positioning the UK as a global leader in the emerging quantum information economy.
What are we doing in the UK?
The UK National
Quantum Strategy
The UK government has a well developed National Quantum Strategy. One of five quantum missions announced in December 2023 is to ensure that by 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy.
The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations
The Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCi3) aims to bring together academic and industry partners to accelerate progress in quantum computing.
UK National Quantum
Technologies Programme
Launched in 2014, and backed by the Government’s £2.5bn National Quantum Strategy, the NQTP builds on a decade of experience to enable the UK to be a leading quantum-enabled economy by 2033, with a world leading sector, where quantum technologies are an integral part of the UK’s future digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing base, driving growth and helping to build a thriving and resilient economy and society.
Frequently asked questions
Confused about quantum computers? These FAQs might give you some answers!
Quantum computers work by harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations in fundamentally different ways from classical computers. At the heart of a quantum computer are qubits, which, unlike classical bits that are either 0 or 1, can be in a state of 0, 1, or both simultaneously.
The magic begins when these qubits are manipulated, putting them into superposition and entanglement states. Through entanglement, the state of one qubit becomes linked with the state of another, no matter how far apart they are. This means a change in one qubit instantaneously affects its entangled partners, allowing quantum computers to process computations in a fundamentally new way.
Owning a personal quantum computer might sound like the ultimate tech dream, but in reality, these devices are unlikely to become household items. Quantum computing technologies utilise highly specialized hardware and environments, far beyond what is practical for home use.
Quantum computers are designed for tackling specialised, complex problems—like simulating molecular structures for drug discovery or optimizing large systems—that classical computers struggle with.
Rather than replacing your home PC, quantum computing will more likely be available through cloud services, allowing users to leverage this power for specific, high-level tasks without the need to physically house the technology. This model of remote access to quantum computing resources will enable both businesses and researchers to tap into quantum capabilities for targeted applications, without the direct challenges of maintenance and operation.
Despite its potential, quantum computing faces significant hurdles. One of the main challenges is maintaining qubit stability, as they are highly susceptible to interference from their surroundings. This requires sophisticated error correction techniques and special operating environments to preserve quantum states.
Additionally, developing algorithms that can fully harness the power of quantum computing is an ongoing area of research. As the field is still in its infancy, there are also substantial hardware and infrastructure challenges to overcome before quantum computing can be widely adopted.
Quantum computing leverages several key phenomena from quantum mechanics, including superposition and entanglement. Superposition allows qubits to exist in multiple states at once, not just as 0 or 1 but in any combination of these states, enabling quantum computers to process a multitude of possibilities simultaneously.
Entanglement is a strong correlation that exists between qubits, meaning the state of one entangled qubit can instantly influence others, no matter the distance separating them.