5 minute read
The International Year of Quantum has been a fruitful and busy time for us at NPL, so we wanted to reflect on the significant research, advancements and collaborations that have taken place so far this year, showcasing the potential of quantum innovations, while counting down to our international quantum event taking place in November. Within our thriving Quantum Programme, our efforts have focused on strengthening the UK’s quantum ecosystem through cutting-edge research, industry support and global collaboration.
Major collaborations
The NPL’s Quantum Programme operates at the core of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP)—partnering with industry, academia, and funders across all quantum technology domains.
- We are currently involved in 23 Innovate projects under the Commercialising Quantum Technologies programme, and 3 projects within the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics. These span collaborations with over 39 academic and 60 industrial partners.
- We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Research Council of Canada, reinforcing international cooperation in quantum research and development.
- We’re a leading partner in the NMI-Q initiative, where National Metrology Institutes from the G7 countries and Australia are collaborating to drive forward essential measurement and testing capabilities for quantum technologies.
- Additional collaborations include our work with the Quantum Communications Hub and Quantum Sensors for the Future programme, where NPL contributes expertise in time and frequency metrology and sensor calibration.
- Successfully concluded a series of collaborative projects with Infleqtion, aimed at advancing the development and performance of next-generation optical clock systems. As part of a SBRI initiative, NPL provided expert consultancy, R&D support and rigorous testing for Infleqtion’s prototype clock and fibre comb systems. A fibre comb was co-developed and tested, with performance benchmarks and environmental sensitivities—including temperature, humidity, and magnetic field—measured against NPL’s standards. These efforts helped Infleqtion identify and resolve technical limitations, accelerate product development, and enhance confidence in their engineering approach.
Accelerating innovation
A key part of our quantum programme is our Measurement for Quantum (M4Q) scheme, which enables UK companies to access our world-leading measurement and testing facilities with the aim of bridging the gap from prototype to market-ready technology. This year so far, we are working with 15 companies via M4Q including:
- Working with Infleqtion to test their Tiqker clock unit. Evaluated within NPL’s Environmental Testing Facility, the clock’s frequency stability and temperature sensitivity were measured against UTC(NPL) references. The results, delivered in a formal report, enabled Infleqtion to assure a key customer of the clock’s reliability—demonstrating that the UK branch had produced the highest-performing Tiqker to date.
- NPL continues to support Infleqtion through the ongoing ESA NAVISP OPTIK project, offering consultancy on frequency-steering protocols and integration of Tiqker clocks into timescales. This work is helping Infleqtion deepen its understanding of state-of-the-art timing solutions and market approaches.
Building skills and standards
At the heart of a vibrant quantum ecosystem is a skilled workforce and ensuring the next generation of scientist have the skills required to deliver on the technology’s potential:
- Our Quantum Programme team includes over 85 scientists, alongside 22 PhD students and 10 apprentices.
- We offer free training through online and in-person modules such as Time & Frequency Measurement, Clock Performance, and Quantum Test & Evaluation short courses.
- We are leading the Quantum Standards Network Pilot, helping to establish measurement protocols and international standards for emerging quantum technologies. Since its launch, the pilot has initiated work on standards for quantum clocks, single-photon sources and quantum enhanced sensors. The first draft standards are expected to be published later this year.
Looking ahead
We are committed to being at the forefront of this movement, facilitating advancements that will benefit society as a whole.
- Continuing to enhance industry partnerships, with M4Q helping more companies navigate the crucial prototype-to-product journey.
- Expand international collaborations, including new joint initiatives with European and North American quantum institutes.
- Further development of quantum infrastructure, standards, and workforce pipelines, ensuring robust growth beyond 2025.
- In November, we are hosting an event to celebrate the International Year of Quantum, highlighting the importance of continued investment and collaboration in the field, ensuring that the UK remains a leader in quantum.
As we head to the rest of the International Year of Quantum, we remain firmly committed to advancing quantum science—not just in the laboratory, but through real-world impact. We look forward to sharing more milestones in partnership, innovation, and discovery.
Find out more about the NPL Quantum Programme
30 Sep 2025
