Accelerating the commercialisation    

The UK government is investing in a national quantum technologies programme to generate economic growth for the UK, with increased security and resilience.

The NPL quantum programme is establishing a wide-ranging capability for the independent test and evaluation of new products. We are developing new facilities, measurement methods and technology demonstrators. This is critical for building confidence in investors, end users and manufacturers themselves, many of them SMEs and start-ups. The NPL programme also includes working directly with industry partners, the university-based quantum technology hubs and with other parts of government.

The NPL programme addresses scientific and measurement challenges in support of industry across the full range of quantum technologies.The objectives of the NPL quantum programme are to:

Collaborate with supporting companies and researchers

• establish test and validation facilities and methods for new products and services based on quantum technologies
• create mechanisms for the capabilities of NPL to be accessible and valuable to UK industry partners
• work with partners to develop prototype products based on quantum technologies
• work closely with organisations aiming to accelerate the successful deployment of quantum technologies for the benefit of the UK

Delivery metrology and measurement technology

• develop methods and metrics for the characterisation of multiple architectures for quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing
• research and develop novel quantum-based measurement techniques to push the boundaries of metrological performance in critical areas
• expand access to metrology for UK organisations ‘at the point of need’ through the distribution of precision reference levels or the design of portable instrumentation based on quantum technologies

Support the UK quantum industry

• represent and lead the UK in the development of standardised test methods and documentary standards for quantum technologies
• work with other partners to help build a larger, more skilled workforce for the UK in this field