The NQCC builds and hosts quantum computers, linking hardware and software developers to address engineering challenges and scale the technology. It operates a dedicated facility on Harwell Campus, providing state‑of‑the‑art labs and collaborative spaces to support research, application development, and the creation of a UK‑wide quantum‑ready user community.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Quantum computing hardware and software remain in early development stages, with significant engineering challenges preventing scalable, fault‑tolerant machines and limiting access for researchers and industry to practical quantum resources.
Solution
The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) provides a national facility that builds, tests, and hosts quantum computers, focusing on overcoming engineering barriers to scale beyond 100 qubits by 2025. It integrates hardware platforms such as trapped‑ion and superconducting circuits with software control systems and application development tools, delivering a full‑stack quantum computer capable of demonstrating computational advantage. The centre offers state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and a Quantum Software Lab to accelerate software innovation across hardware types. By maintaining the UK’s quantum technology roadmap, the NQCC coordinates research programmes, industry collaborations, and external R&D projects to align development priorities. In parallel, it cultivates a quantum‑ready ecosystem through training, resources, and the SparQ programme, enabling organisations to adopt quantum solutions and build a skilled workforce.
Target Audience
Primary users are UK research institutions, quantum hardware and software developers, and industry partners seeking access to advanced quantum computing resources and expertise to develop quantum‑enabled applications.
Features
- Dedicated Harwell Campus facility with laboratories, office, and meeting spaces designed for multidisciplinary quantum hardware and software teams
- Full‑stack development platform covering trapped‑ion and superconducting qubit architectures, control electronics, and cross‑hardware software tools
- Operational roadmap targeting a >100‑qubit quantum computer by 2025 and a pathway toward fault‑tolerant universal computing
- Collaborative R&D commissioning model that partners with businesses, government, and academia to deliver specific technology solutions
- Quantum Software Lab (University of Edinburgh) providing generic software libraries, use‑case translation, and education for multiple hardware platforms
- SparQ programme and quantum‑readiness resources offering training, community engagement, and guidance for early adopters across industry sectors