Deadline Date: July 08, 2026
Applications are open for a grant funding competition supporting UK-registered organisations working on supply chains for quantum-enabled sensing and position, navigation and timing systems using second generation quantum technologies.
The programme focuses on building a complete quantum sensing supply chain that links component developers, system integrators, and manufacturers to speed up real-world deployment. Projects must deliver industrially relevant hardware demonstrators based on second generation quantum technologies, including systems using quantum effects such as superposition, entanglement, or single-photon technologies. Priority is given to overcoming commercialisation bottlenecks such as system integration, ruggedisation for real-world environments, advanced packaging, and miniaturisation, ensuring solutions can move beyond lab prototypes into deployable products.
UK-registered organisations may apply, including businesses of all sizes, academic institutions, charities, public bodies, and research organisations. A UK-registered business must lead the project, and consortia must include at least one UK SME claiming funding. At least 70% of costs cannot be held by a single partner, and academic institutions cannot lead. Projects must be primarily UK-based with UK exploitation plans.
Up to £32.8 million is available in total, with individual projects able to request £4 million to £6 million in grant funding. The funding supports industrial research projects developing quantum-enabled sensing and position, navigation and timing (PNT) systems. Funding rates depend on organisation type: up to 70% for micro/small businesses, 60% for medium, 50% for large organisations, and up to 100% (or 80% FEC for universities) for research organisations and similar bodies.
Projects must deliver deployable hardware demonstrators and show a clear route to commercialisation. Applications must also demonstrate engagement with an end-user such as a system integrator or OEM to ensure real-world adoption and supply chain integration, even if they are not formal partners.
Applications are competitively evaluated by independent assessors across innovation, technical feasibility, market opportunity, consortium strength, commercialisation pathway, risk, management, and value for money. Funding is not guaranteed even for high-scoring projects due to portfolio balancing and budget limits. Successful applicants must comply with subsidy control rules, reporting requirements, and grant conditions throughout delivery.
For more information, visit Innovate Gov.UK.
