UK Quantum Firms Receive £50 Million Boost for Rail, NHS, and Security Innovations
Government funding aims to transform quantum technology breakthroughs into real-world solutions, enhancing transport, healthcare, and national defence.
By The SME Chronicle Newsroom
••4 min read
AI
Generic image of glowing quantum circuits and abstract particle trails, representing advanced technology and innovation.
British businesses developing quantum technologies are set to enhance national infrastructure and public services following a £50 million government investment aimed at commercialising future tech.
Businesses across the United Kingdom are receiving a share of £50 million to develop quantum technologies, with the aim of improving railway operations, speeding up NHS diagnoses, and strengthening national security. This funding package seeks to translate cutting-edge scientific innovations into tangible products that address real-world challenges.
Quantum technologies, which leverage the behaviour of subatomic particles, offer capabilities beyond current technological limits. Applications include quantum sensors for precise measurements in healthcare, transport, infrastructure, and national security. The investment, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)'s Sensing and Positioning, Navigation and Timing competition, will support companies in developing next-generation systems.
Among the supported projects is a quantum monitoring system by MoniRail, based in the West Midlands, designed to detect faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment in areas where GPS is unavailable. This aims to enable faster problem resolution and reduce commuter delays. Additionally, Siloton, a Bristol-based firm, is developing a portable quantum eye scanner to make advanced diagnostics more accessible outside specialist hospitals.
ColdQuanta UK, based in Oxfordshire, is developing a compact, mobile quantum radio system for high-accuracy signal location. This technology has potential applications in military intelligence, critical infrastructure resilience for airports, and aiding emergency responders.
This funding is part of a broader government strategy to establish the UK as a global leader in quantum sensing by 2030, supported by a significant prior investment. Science, Innovation and Investment Minister Chris McDonald highlighted the potential of these breakthroughs for everyday life, from reducing train delays and improving NHS appointment access to enhancing the safety and connectivity of the armed forces.
Further investment includes £20 million from UKRI to build domestic capability in quantum communication networks. The Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking competition will support companies like Aegiq in Sheffield to develop crucial components, reinforcing UK supply chains. An expansion of UKRI's QuEST Apprentices Programme, with an £8 million investment, aims to train 150 apprentices by 2030 to support the growing quantum workforce.
Professor Charlotte Deane, UKRI Senior Responsible Owner for IS8 Quantum, emphasised that the funding will help businesses grow their technology, build strong UK supply chains, and enhance national security through reliable navigation and communication systems, even when conventional methods fail.
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"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."
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"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."
Notable projects receiving support include QLM Technology Ltd (Wales) for greenhouse gas detection, Quantum Fabrix Ltd (Oxford) for a next-generation satellite clock, Cerca Magnetics Ltd (Nottingham) for a wearable brain scanner, and others focused on train positioning, eye scanners, and mobile radio antennas.
The investment coincides with the relaunch of Quantum City, an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council-funded initiative, at New Scientist Live. This public engagement project aims to inspire future quantum talent and highlight career pathways.
