What makes Quantum Motion's quantum computer different from IBM's?: Quantum Motion uses standard silicon CMOS fabrication rather than superconducting circuits or trapped ions, offering a potential manufacturing-scale advantage because chip fabs already know how to produce CMOS at billions of units.Source: Quantum Motion
How much has Quantum Motion raised and who backed it?: Quantum Motion raised $160m in a Series C on 7 May 2026, co-led by DCVC and Kembara, with the British Business Bank contributing £40m as cornerstone investor.Source: Lowdown
What is the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative?: The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative assesses whether commercial Quantum computing systems can outperform classical computers on problems of defence relevance; Quantum Motion reached Stage B in 2026.Source: DARPA
Where is Quantum Motion's computer installed?: Quantum Motion has deployed a full-stack silicon CMOS quantum computer at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).Source: Lowdown

Background

Quantum Motion closed a $160m Series C on 7 May 2026, co-led by DCVC and Kembara, with the British Business Bank contributing £40m as cornerstone investor — the BBB's largest single direct cheque since its £6.6bn direct mandate activated in April 2026. The company has deployed a full-stack silicon CMOS quantum computer at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and reached Stage B of the DARPA Benchmarking Initiative.

Founded as a spinout from University College London and the University of Oxford, Quantum Motion's distinctive approach integrates quantum processors with standard silicon semiconductor fabrication processes, enabling a potential pathway to mass production that exotic qubit materials cannot offer. The company's architecture targets fault-tolerant, scalable Quantum computing by exploiting decades of industrial CMOS know-how.

The DARPA Stage B qualification and the NQCC deployment make Quantum Motion one of the few UK quantum hardware companies with US defence-research recognition and a live government compute deployment simultaneously. The BBB cornerstone — its largest direct cheque — signals London's intent to anchor a domestic quantum hardware champion before US and Chinese investment sweeps up the field.

Source Material

Quantum Motion official website

How the World Sees Them

US (DARPA)

Stage B qualification signals that DARPA considers Quantum Motion's silicon CMOS approach scientifically credible; US-led benchmarking places UK hardware in direct comparison with American and Canadian competitors.

UK Government

The BBB cornerstone and NQCC deployment frame Quantum Motion as the state's preferred domestic champion in a sector considered critical to long-run cryptography and defence.

Global quantum investors

The $160m round at Stage B sets a valuation benchmark and signals that silicon-CMOS routes to scale are attracting serious capital, not just academic interest.