A £10.75 million UK research competition is opening for the components, systems and architectures needed to build scalable quantum networks. The programme supports the government’s longer-term ambition to deploy an advanced quantum network by 2035, but it is funding research rather than promising a finished “quantum internet” now.
What is the competition funding?
UK Research and Innovation is seeking work on the technologies that allow quantum information or quantum-secure capabilities to operate across networks. Relevant challenges include interfaces, memories, repeaters, switching, control systems, interoperability and network architectures. Projects must address the published scope rather than simply use the word quantum.
How much support is available?
The fund totals £10.75 million. A single award can request up to £2.56 million, and projects can last up to 33 months. The competition is scheduled to open on 29 September and close on 24 November 2026, subject to the conditions on the official opportunity page.
What is a quantum network?
Unlike the ordinary internet, which copies and routes classical bits, quantum networks aim to distribute or connect quantum states. Possible uses include linking quantum processors, highly sensitive distributed measurements and new security methods. Many necessary components remain at the research and engineering stage.
How does this fit the national strategy?
The UK’s second National Quantum Strategy mission says that by 2035 the country should have deployed an advanced quantum network at scale. It also envisages international links, including satellite connectivity. This funding call is one step toward that mission, not evidence that the target has already been met.
What should applicants and readers watch?
Applicants need to follow UKRI’s eligibility, cost and collaboration rules and explain how their work advances network capability. Readers should look for milestones such as improved fidelity, range, reliability and interoperability, not just laboratory announcements. Results will depend on the projects selected and subsequent testing.
Primary sources: the UKRI funding opportunity and the government’s National Quantum Strategy missions.
Reporting basis: official information available on 22 September 2026. Illustrative image: photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash.