Commercialisation of quantum tech 3 – Central Research & Development

The purpose of this competition is to support challenge-led collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects in quantum technologies. Innovate UK are looking to fund projects that produce prototype devices and demonstrators. These must meet a clear commercial application or market need.

It will help your application if one of the project partners is an end user or customer of the technology.

Innovate UK are particularly looking for projects that align with the UK’s roadmap for quantum technologies. These themes include:

Quantum sensors, such as:

• quantum oscillators and precision timing devices
• quantum gravity sensors
• electromagnetic sensors
• accelerometers

Quantum-enhanced imaging, such as:

• single photon imaging
• ghost imaging

Quantum information technologies such as quantum computers.

Quantum communications, such as:

• quantum random number generators
• quantum key distribution

Other quantum technology systems that exploit the quantum effects of superposition or entanglement.

Your project may include work packages that either:

• develop core component technologies within these systems
• enable understanding of major market applications or customers

To allow for all levels of interest, Innovate UK are running a feasibility studies competition in parallel with this competition, click here for details. This will allow for earlier, more exploratory investigations and development into:

• quantum technologies
• developing components which make up quantum systems
• market opportunities and uses for quantum technologies

Funding details

• Share of up to £5 million to fund feasibility studies in this competition.Innovate UK expect projects to last between 6 months and 1 year. Innovate UK expect them to range in size from total project costs of £50,000 to £500,000. Innovate UK may consider projects outside this range but you must contact us to discuss this before you apply.

  A business or RTO must lead the project and be collaborative.

  See the general guidance for applicants for circumstances where RTOs may lead.

  You can find out more in the guidance for applicants. A link will be available when the competition opens.

  You can also attend a briefing and networking event.

  Your project must focus on technical feasibility. You could get:

  • up to 70% of your eligible project costs if you are a small business
  • up to 60% if you are a medium-sized business
  • up to 50% if you are a large business

  The total of all research organisation costs can be no more than 50% of the total project costs.

  Find out if your business fits the EU definition of an SME.