Overview
This Contracts for Innovation competition is the first phase of ProQure, the UK Government’s programme to identify, grow and deploy world-leading quantum computing capability in the UK.
Phase 1 is designed to support organisations developing integrated quantum computing hardware and software that can move closer to commercial-scale deployment. The focus is on validating scalable architectures, building operational testbeds, and demonstrating credible routes to market and long-term UK impact.
The competition sits within a wider multi-phase programme that is expected to inform a future public procurement of large-scale quantum computers beyond 2030. This phase is standalone and does not guarantee eligibility for any future procurement.
Scope
The key aims of this phase 1 competition are to:
- validate technologies and architectures to scale performance of the current state of the art quantum computers
- deploy operational testbeds for independent evaluation and verification
- accelerate the growth in user adoption and developer ecosystem
- accelerate the growth of enterprise operations and industrial capabilities to deliver economic and societal impact in the UK
Phase 1 projects must include a credible technical, commercial and investment roadmap that shows how you will:
- deliver step improvements to their quantum computing system, fix key hardware dependencies, and scale performance for the target workloads and application outcomes
- build and evaluate software stack, including system software, instruction sets, compilers, error correction approaches and practical algorithms for high impact end user applications
- set specifications needed for build, integration and commercial deployment of their quantum computing resource
Phase 1 projects must also define an operational testbed access solution that would be delivered for independent verification and assurance before July 2028 (three months before the end of phase 1).
The operational testbed must:
- operate at system level as a programmable testbed for running quantum algorithms or analogue quantum processes
- provide users with a defined software environment that allows experienced users of gate based or analogue quantum computing to operate and programme the system at firmware, pulse, gate or algorithm level
- feature a live system monitoring dashboard with functional and technical performance indicators
- be supplied and supported by system definition, build and delivery report, performance specifications, user training documentation and guidance
Phase 1 contract milestones must include clear deliverables and reports demonstrating functional and technical designs, verification methods and test results with measurable targets. The evidence and submissions will be assessed against the following criteria:
- how well the project aligns with the aims of this competition and the wider quantum computing mission
- the quality of the contract delivery performance and organisation capability
- the balance of scientific, technical, industrial and commercial performance at the intermediate and final milestones
Contracts will be given to successful applicants.
Goals must be defined and outline the plan for phase 1 in your application.
Applicants must demonstrate a credible and practical route to market, so applications must include a plan to commercialise your results.
At this stage contracts will only be given for phase 1.
In phase 2 successful applicants will be asked from phase 1 to continue to develop their solution.
Key themes and topics
The key aims of this competition are to:
- validate technologies and architectures that can scale the performance of current state-of-the-art quantum computers
- deploy operational testbeds for independent evaluation and verification
- accelerate growth in user adoption and the developer ecosystem
- accelerate the growth of enterprise operations and industrial capability to create economic and societal impact in the UK
The operational testbed must:
- operate at system level as a programmable environment for running quantum algorithms or analogue quantum processes
- provide a defined software environment that allows experienced users of gate-based or analogue quantum computing to programme and operate the system at firmware, pulse, gate or algorithm level
- feature a live system monitoring dashboard with functional and technical performance indicators
- include supporting documentation covering system definition, build and delivery reporting, performance specifications, user training and guidance
Projects will not be funded if they:
- do not use second generation quantum technologies involving coherent control of quantum states such as superposition or entanglement
- do not deliver access to an operational testbed three months before the end of phase 1
- duplicate scope or costs already funded through other UK Government or international initiatives
- are already covered by commercial agreements for the same proposed work
- propose disproportionate material, capital or other costs
- are not sufficiently mature in development and delivery capability
- do not show clear economic and societal impact
- do not have freedom to undertake, operate, develop and exploit the R&D in the UK
- do not demonstrate the resources needed to develop, operate, upgrade and maintain a complete quantum computing system in the UK
- do not include significant and critical delivery activity in the UK
- do not support development of a viable UK supply base for future development and operations
Project duration
Projects must last between 18 and 24 months
Must start on 1 October 2026
End by 30 September 2028
Award value
Projects must have total costs of no more than £14 million, inclusive of VAT
Funding rates
100% funded
Eligibility criteria
- Projects must be led by an organisation of any size
- Contracts will be awarded to a single entity only
- Subcontractors can be used for specialist skills and can be businesses, research organisations, research and technology organisations or the third sector(charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups)
- You must select whether you are VAT registered before entering your eligible project costs
- If you are VAT registered, you must enter your eligible project costs exclusive of VAT and your total eligible project costs inclusive of VAT must not exceed £100,000
- If you are not VAT registered, you must enter your eligible project costs exclusive of VAT and your total project costs must not exceed £100,000
Your application must have at least 50% of the contract value attributed directly and exclusively to R&D services, including solution exploration and design. R&D can also include prototyping and field-testing the product or service
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