UK quantum projects backed by a share of £50m: which firms are named

The UK government announced support for businesses turning quantum research into practical products on 13 October 2026. According to the announcement, firms will receive a share of £50 million through a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) competition covering sensing and positioning, navigation and timing. The release does not give an individual award amount or payment timetable for the named firms. The £50 million should therefore not be described as their revenue, a number of new contracts, or a grant currently open for applications.

Projects named in the announcement

They include West Midlands-based MoniRail, developing a system to locate rail faults; London and Bristol-based Siloton, developing a handheld eye scanner; and Oxford-based ColdQuanta UK, working on a mobile radio-signal system. The official list also names QLM Technology in Wales for a greenhouse-gas measurement camera, Oxford-based Quantum Fabrix for a satellite clock, and Nottingham-based Cerca Magnetics for a wearable brain scanner. These projects span different parts of the UK. A proposed medical use does not mean a device has already been deployed in the NHS.

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Separate investment in networks and skills

The government separately says UKRI is investing £20 million in UK businesses developing domestic quantum communication networks. It cites Sheffield-based Aegiq, which is developing specialist lasers and photonic chips. A further £8 million expands the QuEST Apprentices Programme, which aims to equip 150 engineering apprentices by 2030. That is a programme target, not a count of jobs already created. The release's reference to 'up to £2 billion' concerns an earlier, wider government commitment; it is not additional funding announced today.

What other businesses should do

For component manufacturers and specialist engineering suppliers, the announcement points to a developing market in quantum sensors and networks, but it does not guarantee orders. Businesses interested in funding should check current UKRI opportunities and confirm each competition's consortium rules and closing date. For example, a separate UKRI competition worth up to £14.3 million for accelerating the adoption of quantum sensing closed on 17 September 2026. The 13 October announcement does not itself open a new application round or set a future deadline.

Official sources: GOV.UK announcement dated 13 October 2026, UKRI's closed competition page and UKRI funding opportunities.