Contracts for Innovation: ProQure – Scaling UK Quantum Computing

Key Features

Organisations can apply for up to £14 million in phase 1 to develop, build and validate integrated quantum computing hardware and software to demonstrate commercial scale deployment and applications of your quantum computing solution.

Programme:     Innovate UK

Award:     Share of up to £14 million

Opens: 27th Mar 2026

Closes: 29th May 2026

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Grant Overview

Innovate UK are working with the UK Government’s dedicated ProQure programme to identify, grow and deploy world leading quantum computing capabilities that will drive economic growth and social impact in the UK.

Grant Scope

This is a 2-phase competition. In phase 1 of this competition the aims are to validate technologies and architectures to scale performance of the current state of the art quantum computers, deploy operational test beds, accelerate growth in user adoption, developer ecosystems, enterprise operations and industrial capabilities that deliver economic and societal impact in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

When applying for funding, your project must have total costs of no more than £14 million (including VAT). Projects must start by 1st October 2026 and end by 30th September 2028, lasting between 18-24 months.

Lead: To lead a project, organisations must be an organisation of any size, including those based in the EU, EEA or internationally or work alone or with subcontracted skills and expertise of others from business, research organisations, research and technology organisations, or charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations. Subcontractors and academic partners must be clearly identified with roles defined.

Protecting your innovation

A Secure Innovation campaign has been developed to help founders and leaders of innovative startups protect their technology, competitive advantage and reputation.

Grant Exclusions

The following projects cannot be funded:

  • Projects that do not use ‘second generation’ quantum technologies
  • Projects that do not deliver access to an operational testbed three months before the end of phase 1
  • Projects that would directly duplicate scope and costs from other UK Government or international initiatives already funded to deliver
  • Projects covered by existing commercial agreements to deliver the proposed work programme
  • Projects that propose disproportional use of material, capital and other costs
  • Projects that are not mature in their overall development and delivery capability
  • Projects that do not evidence positive economic and societal impact outcomes for your innovation
  • Projects that do not have complete freedom to undertake, operate, develop and exploit the R&D in the UK
  • Projects that do not demonstrate the necessary resources to develop, operate, upgrade and maintain a complete quantum computing system in the UK
  • Projects that do not include delivery of significant and critical activities in the UK
  • Projects not developing a viable supply base for future development and operations in the UK

Grant Funding

Innovate UK are funding contracts up to £14 million. Funding will be in the form of a contract. Innovate UK expect to fund up to 10 phase 1 contracts.

VAT

You must state if you are VAT registered before entering eligible project costs. VAT is the responsibility of the invoicing business.

VAT registered

If you select you are VAT registered, eligible project costs must be entered. Total eligible project costs including VAT must not exceed £14 million.

Not VAT registered

If you select you are not VAT registered, you must enter eligible project costs exclusive of VAT and no VAT will be added.

Research and development

Applications must have at least 50% of the contract value attributed directly and exclusively to R&D services, including solution exploration and design.

For further information on this competition, please see full details.

Full competition details

Interested in applying for this competition?

Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.