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Quantum computing
Concept

Quantum computing

Computing using quantum mechanical phenomena to solve problems beyond classical capability

Last refreshed: 13 April 2026

Key Question

Can the UK become the first country to deploy quantum computing at scale?

Timeline for Quantum computing

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Common Questions
What is quantum computing used for?
Quantum computers solve problems in cryptography, drug discovery, materials Science, and optimisation that classical computers cannot practically addressSource: Training knowledge
UK quantum computing investment 2026?
The UK committed 2bn pounds to quantum deployment via the ProQure programme, targeting first-country large-scale rollout by early 2030sSource: DSIT announcement
Is quantum computing ready for commercial use?
Most quantum applications remain pre-commercial due to error rates and limited qubit counts, though sensing and navigation applications are closer to deploymentSource: Training knowledge

Background

Quantum computing harnesses quantum mechanical properties (superposition, entanglement) to perform calculations that classical computers cannot practically solve. Applications span cryptography, drug discovery, materials Science, financial modelling, and logistics optimisation. The technology remains pre-commercial for most use cases, with current machines limited by error rates and qubit counts.

The UK committed £2bn to quantum deployment in early 2026, claiming first-country status for large-scale rollout by the early 2030s. The ProQure programme allocates £1bn for quantum machine procurement, £500m for applications across defence, healthcare, and climate modelling, and £400m for sensing and navigation. Five National Quantum computing Centres support the pipeline from research to deployment.

Global competition is intense. The United States leads in private investment (IonQ, Quantinuum, PsiQuantum), China has made substantial state commitments, and the EU allocated over 1bn euros through its Quantum Flagship programme. The UK strategy bets on procurement-led demand creation rather than pure research funding, a distinctive approach that will be tested as ProQure contracts are awarded through 2027.