University of Bristol Leads Groundbreaking Quantum Projects with £12m Innovate UK Investment

University of Bristol Leads Groundbreaking Quantum Projects with £12m Innovate UK Investment

(IN BRIEF) The University of Bristol is taking a leading role in two innovative quantum projects funded by a £12m boost from Innovate UK under the Quantum Missions pilot competition. Aiming to establish the world’s most advanced quantum network by 2035, the projects include PAQNet, which will develop scalable quantum-PIC technology to enhance Quantum Key Distribution systems, and Project QUDITS2, which is exploring the potential of qudits for more efficient data processing using commercially available photonics. These initiatives, supported by contributions from several QTEC alumni companies, underscore the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in quantum computing and networking.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 13-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Bristol is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future quantum internet with its involvement in two breakthrough projects backed by a £12m funding boost from Innovate UK. Announced as part of the Quantum Missions pilot competition by UK Research and Innovation, these projects span quantum computing and networks, underscoring the UK’s drive to establish the world’s most advanced quantum network by 2035. At TechUK2025 on March 10, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, unveiled the winners, with the University of Bristol featured in two projects and five additional initiatives including alumni companies from its Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC).

Bristol’s renowned expertise in quantum networking and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is central to these projects. Dr Siddarth Joshi, Lecturer in Optical Communications, will contribute to ‘Packaging Advancements for Quantum Networks (PAQNet)’, led by Alter Technologies UK. This project aims to develop a scalable and cost-effective quantum-PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) package to meet the evolving needs of quantum networks, addressing challenges in scalability and affordability that currently limit the deployment of QKD systems. In parallel, Dr Edmund Harbord, Senior Lecturer in Quantum Communications, will spearhead the University’s role in Project QUDITS2, led by Vector Photonics and supported by £1m in funding. This initiative seeks to demonstrate the advantages of ‘qudits’—quantum units capable of processing information beyond the binary—using readily available photonics technology from the UK supply chain.

The impact of Bristol’s contributions is further amplified by the involvement of several QTEC-supported companies, including Vector Photonics, KETS, Wave Photonics, Nu Quantum, and SEEQC UK, the latter of which is set to develop a new quantum computer prototype at the National Quantum Computing Centre. Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, commented, “The UK is one of the top countries in the world for creating and attracting quantum companies. Innovative technologies such as the ones receiving funding in this pilot will help to secure the UK’s position as a global leader in this transformative field.”

These projects not only highlight the innovative strength of the University of Bristol but also signal a robust commitment to advancing quantum technologies that promise enhanced security and computational capabilities for the future.

Further information

Project QUDITS2 partners include Vector Photonics, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Phlux Technology and the University of Bristol.

Packaging Advancements for Quantum Networks (PAQNet) partners include Alter Technology UK, KETS, Senko Advanced Components (Euro), Wave Photonics, University of Bristol and The University Of Sheffield.

The Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC) is a University of Bristol programme that supports researchers and innovators in transforming quantum and deep tech ideas into successful, commercially viable startups.

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SOURCE: University of Bristol