UK and EU grant programmes now offer a practical route for companies and universities to turn quantum research into commercial products. This guide explains the main quantum computing funding routes, who is eligible, how to apply, and practical next steps.

What is quantum computing funding?

Quantum computing funding refers to public grant and mission programmes that support research, prototype development, testbeds and commercialisation for quantum hardware, software and related applications. Recent UK government packages and EU work programmes have increased prize and grant pools for quantum projects, aimed at accelerating commercial readiness.

UK Government funding strategy for quantum computing

The UK has announced major investment packages and mission competitions aimed at building sovereign capability and moving technologies out of the lab. This creates new opportunities for SMEs, research teams and consortia to access capital and shared infrastructure such as the National Quantum Computing Centre.

How to secure funding for quantum computing projects

1. Map your idea to a funding strand. Match research, prototype or pilot-scale work to the right programme, for example Innovate UK missions, Horizon Europe research calls, the EIC or national infrastructure projects.
2. Assemble partners. Many EU calls require multi-country consortia, while UK national calls favour industry and academia teams.
3. Draft technical scope. Describe the quantum challenge, novelty, milestones and success metrics, for example error rates, qubit counts, integrations or software benchmarks.
4. Cost and exploitation plan. Include eligible costs, IP plan and route to market. Public funders expect clear exploitation plans.
5. Complete eligibility checks and submit. Use funders’ online portals such as Innovate UK’s Apply platform and Horizon Europe submission systems.
6. Prepare for assessment and negotiation. Expect reviewers to probe technical credibility, value for money and consortium capability.

Who is eligible for quantum computing funding?

Typical eligibility for UK and EU grants

• UK-registered businesses for Innovate UK and NQCC-linked calls.
• Research organisations and universities for Horizon and Flagship projects.
• SMEs, scaleups and large companies depending on the specific call.
• For international consortia, at least the minimum number of participating countries must be met for EU calls.

SME vs Large Enterprise (snippet)

• SME: often preferred for innovation grants, can lead projects and claim grant percentages for eligible costs.
• Large enterprise: can participate, usually with different funding rates and co-funding expectations.

Funding scope and benefits

Typical costs covered include personnel, equipment such as testbeds, capital infrastructure, subcontracted expertise, travel and knowledge exchange. Example strands include Innovate UK Quantum Missions and EU Quantum Flagship or Horizon Europe research and scale grants.

Mini case study: The UKRI and the National Quantum Computing Centre ran a testbed competition to install operational quantum testbeds at the National Quantum Computing Centre. Winners received development and commissioning support to accelerate access for industry users. This model shows how public grants can get hardware into usable, commercial test environments.

Market context: what quantum computing funders are prioritising

Public funding now focuses on building sovereign capability, commercial applications such as chemistry, optimisation and finance, testbeds and skills, and protecting strategic assets. The EU continues to scale Flagship investments and link Digital Europe infrastructure to quantum research. Recent announcements increased access to Horizon Europe calls for UK applicants and boosted national mission funding.

FI Group insight

According to consultancy FI Group, public quantum computing grant programmes are becoming more strategic and mission-led, favouring projects that couple demonstrable commercial pathways with strong consortium capability. For practical guidance on matching projects to calls, see FI Group’s funding advisers’ guidance.

Quantum computing process practical checklist:

1. Read the full guidance on the funder’s portal, and check deadlines and submission templates.
2. Perform an eligibility test early; many calls require UK incorporation or specific partner nationalities.
3. Budget carefully and justify costs with a clear work package plan.
4. Evidence capability with past technical work, publications, pilot data and CVs.
5. Prepare KPIs and exploitation plan that demonstrate commercial impact and route to market.
6. Plan IP and data management to satisfy both funder and consortium needs.

Common CFO challenges and mitigation

• Budget volatility. Mitigate by building conservative cost estimates and contingency lines.
• IP ownership concerns. Agree consortium IP arrangements early, and consider background, foreground and exploitation licences.
• Procurement complexity. Use standard consortium agreements and legal templates supplied by funders.
• Scale-up funding gap. Combine grants with venture or strategic partner investment for demonstration phases.

Quantum Computing Funding FAQs

1. What counts as quantum computing funding? Grants and mission programmes that fund research, prototypes, testbeds and commercial pilots for quantum hardware and software.
2. Can UK businesses apply to Horizon Europe for quantum projects? Yes. Recent work programme changes expand UK access to Horizon Europe calls for quantum.
3. Are there national quantum testbeds in the UK? Yes, the National Quantum Computing Centre hosts funded testbeds supported by UKRI and partners.
4. What size of grants are available? Ranges vary: Innovate UK mission calls have multi-million pound pools; EU Flagship and Digital Europe allocations are larger and support infrastructure and multi-partner projects.
5. Should we use an adviser? Many applicants find technical funding advisers helpful for scoping, consortium formation and cost justification; advisers can also point to specific calls.

Quick next steps for an SME developing quantum computing projects

1. Check eligibility for Innovate UK Quantum Missions and open Horizon Europe calls.
2. Identify one or two academic partners and a commercial partner to form a consortium.
3. Draft a one-page project summary, costs and impact statement for early adviser review.
4. Use public testbeds where available to de-risk hardware proofs of concept.

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