UK Backs Quantum Tech for Railways, Healthcare, and Defence
£50 million government package supports innovators developing quantum sensors and networks to improve public services and national security.
By Harry Penhaligon
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a complex technological circuit board with glowing pathways.
British businesses developing quantum technologies are receiving a share of £50 million in government funding to advance innovations in railways, healthcare, and national security.
Innovators are set to benefit from a new government package aimed at unleashing the potential of quantum technologies, delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Quantum Technologies Priority Programme. The funding will directly support companies building next-generation systems that exploit the behaviour of tiny particles to outperform current technologies in critical areas.
These quantum technologies include quantum sensors, capable of making extremely precise measurements for applications in healthcare, transport, infrastructure, and national security. Projects include a quantum monitoring system by MoniRail to pinpoint railway track faults where GPS is unavailable, potentially sparing commuters delays. Siloton is developing a handheld quantum eye scanner for advanced diagnostics outside hospitals, and ColdQuanta UK is creating a compact, mobile quantum radio system for high-accuracy signal location, supporting military intelligence and critical infrastructure resilience.
This investment is part of a broader government mission to establish the UK as a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, with up to £2 billion invested earlier this year. UKRI is also investing £20 million in UK businesses for quantum networks, supporting companies like Aegiq in developing specialist components to strengthen supply chains.
An £8 million expansion of UKRI’s QuEST Apprentices Programme will create new routes into skilled quantum jobs, aiming to equip 150 apprentices by 2030. This includes QuEST North, extending support to businesses in the North West.
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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."
Further projects receiving support include QLM Technology Ltd (Wales) for a greenhouse gas camera, Quantum Fabrix Ltd (Oxford) for a next-generation satellite clock, Cerca Magnetics Ltd (Nottingham) for a wearable brain scanner, and Monirail Ltd, Siloton Ltd, and ColdQuanta UK Ltd for their respective train, eye-scanner, and radio systems. The investment coincides with the relaunch of Quantum City, an initiative to inspire the next generation of quantum talent.
