UK announces £2 billion plan to become a global leader in quantum technology

The United Kingdom’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a £2 billion (€2.32bn) funding package on 17/03/2026 dedicated to establishing the UK as a global leader in quantum technology.

Quantum, alongside artificial intelligence, is a generation-defining technology. While traditional computers solve problems using a one-by-one approach, quantum computers explore thousands of potential solutions at once, creating more opportunities for growth, innovation and research.

As part of the funding package, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support the development and roll-out of large-scale quantum computers throughout the country. Leading this effort will be the National Quantum Computing Centre and the Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh, which will independently test, benchmark and validate quantum computing systems.

UKRI, the public body of the Government of the United Kingdom that directs research and innovation funding, hopes that the funding package will encourage quantum technology companies from around the world to partner with…