UK’s Most Powerful Quantum Computer
A landmark partnership accelerating UK quantum capability
The UK’s most powerful quantum computer will be based at the University of Cambridge. It is part of a major new partnership with IonQ, a leading quantum company.
Based at the Ray Dolby Centre, home to the Cavendish Laboratory, the new IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre will house a state-of-the-art 256-qubit quantum computer. Once operational, it will be the most powerful system of its kind in the UK.
Expanding access and unlocking innovation
With support from Innovate UK, the Centre will provide access to the UK’s wider research and innovation ecosystem, including early-stage companies and academic teams, through the National Quantum Computing Centre. This will broaden access to commercial-scale quantum computing across the research community, thus accelerating experimentation, collaboration, and discovery.
Research activity at the Centre will span quantum computing, networks, sensing, and security, alongside the creation of new academic roles and training pathways to support the next generation of quantum talent.
From research to real-world impact
The partnership brings together researchers, industry partners and policymakers from the outset. It is designed to move beyond siloed research and fast-track the translation of quantum technologies into practical solutions. Potential applications include ultra-secure communications, advanced materials, high-precision sensing, and accelerated drug discovery – areas with significant societal and economic impact.
This development builds on the UK’s growing quantum infrastructure and long-term national strategy to become a quantum-enabled economy. Cambridge’s strength in quantum research, combined with industry collaboration and national support, positions the new Centre as a vital part of this expanding ecosystem.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
“This is a significant moment for brilliant researchers at the University of Cambridge which cements the UK’s credentials as a world-leader in Quantum. It will help deliver new breakthroughs to some of our most pressing shared challenges while supporting more academics, PhD students and researchers in the process – ensuring we have a rich pool of Quantum talent for years to come.”
SES: connecting the UK’s quantum future
This strategic partnership at Cambridge aligns with the London Quantum Cluster, a major initiative advancing quantum innovation across the capital. It connects three Science and Engineering South (SES) universities – UCL, Imperial College London and King’s College London.
These developments reflect the UK’s strategy to become a leading quantum-enabled economy, driven by collaboration. SES universities are bringing together academia, industry, government, and investors to strengthen the UK’s position in quantum and accelerate real-world impact.
Shared with permission and lightly adapted for brevity by Jessica Livermore.
Original story by Cambridge press office. Photo shared with permission.
Find Out More
For more information and related stories:
IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre
Pioneering London Quantum Technology Cluster launched with support from City Hall
King’s part of pioneering London Quantum Technology Cluster supported by City Hall