The UK government has committed £1 billion to purchase quantum computers from British startups, part of a broader £2 billion quantum computing investment package.
The British government has pledged £1 billion to purchase large-scale quantum computers directly from United Kingdom startups and companies, in what ministers are framing as both a strategic technology investment and a retention measure designed to prevent homegrown quantum firms from relocating overseas.
The commitment forms part of a broader £2 billion quantum computing package announced by the government, of which £1 billion had been previously disclosed. The newly announced £1 billion represents a procurement commitment — the government will buy a new generation of quantum computers for use by scientists, public sector organizations and businesses. The previously announced £1 billion is intended to help firms and researchers deploy quantum technology across sectors, including finance and energy, over the next four years.
Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the government was determined that Britain capitalize on the opportunities quantum computing presents. “It is only by keeping pace with technological progress that we can deliver the high-paid jobs, cutting-edge public services, and innovations which change lives,” she said. “This government is ushering in a quantum leap — making the choice today to back UK scientists, companies and innovators.”
The government said the United Kingdom would become the first country to benefit from what it described as “revolutionary” quantum computers, sensors and networks, and said the investment would support the emergence of a new generation of leading British companies in the field. Ministers said quantum computing could contribute to personalized medical treatments, potential disease cures and national security applications.
Some experts view quantum computing as a technology that could rival artificial intelligence in economic significance, though commercial-scale quantum computers capable of outperforming classical systems on practical tasks have yet to be demonstrated.
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Ashley Montanaro, chief executive and co-founder of Phasecraft, one of the United Kingdom’s leading quantum software companies, welcomed the announcement but said the procurement program must prioritize software alongside hardware.
“The investments announced today are critical to Britain’s continued leadership in the quantum race,” Montanaro said. “It is essential that the procurement programme includes a significant quantum software element — the full potential of quantum computing can only be unlocked when quantum algorithms development is prioritised alongside hardware development.”
