Quantum technology has gained substantial traction in the UK from a committed UK government in allocated funding and strategic initiatives aimed at harnessing quantum technology’s potential in the British economy.
The government has demonstrated a keen commitment to advancing quantum technologies, recognising its capability to potentially transform industries from healthcare and financial services to the transition to a greener economy. The plan of developing the UK’s quantum technology expertise has been through a convergent quantum ecosystem in which the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is of the notable entities that nurtures quantum technology startups, offering them the chance to translate their innovations from the lab into market-ready solutions.
To support this, NPL has reopened its free-of-charge Measurement for Quantum (M4Q) programme to new applications. The M4Q programme has made major strides in supporting the UK quantum ecosystem in its quest to turn the potential of quantum technologies into reality.
This article aims to showcase the positive impact the M4Q programme so far has had on UK quantum technology startups, exemplified through three case studies, encouraging UK-based quantum technology companies to apply for the recently reopened Measurement for Quantum (M4Q) programme.
The UK’s regional quantum clusters and NPL’s role in their advancement
The UK has established itself as one of the leaders in quantum technology. A UK ecosystem has emerged spanning specialisations from quantum computing and sensing to quantum communication demonstrations. Specialised regional clusters have formed around major academic and industrial centres like Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow, Bristol and South Wales, pushing the potential of quantum technology.
Part of the UK’s national strategy to advance and commercialise quantum technologies is to establish regional specialisation. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced in July 2024 a commitment of £100 million to support five specialised quantum research hubs:
- Glasgow: Quantum-enabled Position, Navigation and Timing.
- Edinburgh: Integrated Networks.
- Birmingham: Sensing, Imaging and Timing.
- Oxford: Quantum Computing.
- London: Biomedical Sensing.
NPL plays a major role through metrology— the science of measurement — in the commercialisation and development of quantum technologies operating across these specialisation clusters. NPL provides independent and detailed measurements for UK quantum technology companies that are essential to realise the potential of quantum technologies. One aspect of this contribution is how shared standards shape the future of quantum technologies – which you can read in more detail here. NPL’s independence allows it to serve as an unbiased arbiter of quantum technology measurement data that facilitates quantum innovation across the entire UK quantum sector. Through its M4Q programme, NPL supports quantum startups and established firms alike, making sure that advancements in quantum technologies are measurable, trustworthy, and verifiable.
The M4Q programme and its role in advancing UK quantum technologies
The M4Q programme is designed to bridge the gaps between research prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and market-ready quantum technologies. M4Q offers up to 20 days of specialist quantum measurement expertise at no charge to companies, aimed at transitioning quantum technologies from concept to commercial reality. So far, the M4Q programme has enabled NPL collaboration on 63 projects across 50 UK-based quantum technology companies.
M4Q supports the government’s ambitions to drive economic growth through scientific achievements, positioning the UK as one of the global leaders in quantum technologies.
M4Q benefits UK-based quantum technology startups by improving research, design, and product development through an independent measurement platform that benefits a broad array of strategic aims.
Through the M4Q programme, quantum technology companies have reported that they have seen improvements in their product solutions from deeper insights into performance data used to optimise research and development processes. Some quantum technology startups have utilised the information from M4Q to optimise their manufacturing processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. M4Q has also demonstrated tangible value through its trustworthy performance data used to establish credibility with investors, business partners, and customers. These metrics have been a crucial enabler for UK quantum technology companies in progressing from lab to concept to market.
Success stories: Impact of M4Q on quantum technology startups
M4Q has propelled 50 UK-based quantum technology businesses toward market readiness by addressing their specific and most pressing technological and business challenges. Three case studies demonstrate how M4Q’s support has enhanced these companies’ manufacturing processes, product development, and investor engagement.
Inex Microtechnologies and vapour cells
Inex Microtechnologies, specialising in the production of vapour cells for ultra-accurate atomic clocks under the umbrella of quantum sensing, needed to ensure its product solutions met stringent specifications for gas composition, pressure, and temperature. NPL through its M4Q programme provided detailed modelling and radio-frequency spectroscopy to precisely calibrate and characterise the cells.
“We now have the possibility of being able to carry out functional measurements as well as just quality control. We also have a much better understanding of how to design a vapour cell with multiple functionalities. The project exceeded expectations; we got all we had wanted out of it and more.” – Roger Carline, Business Development, Strategy and Performance Director at Inex Microtechnologies.
From the independent metrology data, Inex developed a quality control device, reducing their manufacturing costs by 20% and generally decreased rejection rates. NPL also refined Inex’s vapour cell designs for enhanced functionality and led to a new application in existing sensors, broadening the market opportunities for the startup and subsequent growth potential.
QLM and greenhouse gas emission monitors
QLM Technology developed a portable system for visualising greenhouse gas emissions critical for industrial emission monitoring. To build quantum sensing credibility and consumer confidence, QLM needed a deeper understanding of its laser system’s physics and functionality. Collaborative work with NPL through the M4Q programme gave QLM novel optical measurement techniques and calibration tools, leading to the establishment of a calibration rig. This ensured the reliability of QLM’s performance data to build momentum and technology trustworthiness ahead of its product launch.
“The project was excellent and hyper-effective. It introduced us to measurement possibilities we hadn’t considered, delivering huge value to our new product’s calibration and ongoing R&D, and hopefully it’s long-term commercial success. Without NPL’s expertise and access to the full range of cutting-edge measurement options, this important work may not have gone ahead, or succeeded.” – Xiao Ai, Co-founder and CTO at QLM Technology.
The engagement with NPL and M4Q further improved QLM’s manufacturing processes and reduced production costs from this calibration rig. The product is now positioned as an affordable, scalable solution for monitoring emissions gaining traction in Europe and North America.
Aquark and cold atom traps
Acting as a critical link in their prototype development, the M4Q programme helped Aquark to design a compact cold atom trap for next-generation quantum sensing and computing used outside laboratory settings. Aquark required rapid development of a low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) demonstrator to showcase its potential from an unbiased source. NPL’s expertise in timing and atomic clocks guided Aquark in its prototype development, advising on design and operational challenges. This support shortened Aquark’s research timeline by at least six months and enhanced the demonstrator’s credibility with potential partners and investors. The project’s success has established a solid foundation for Aquark’s targeted market entry into atomic clocks and formed the core of its business and investment strategy.
“M4Q was ideal for us. Though most of us are scientists, we didn’t have the expertise of building an atomic clock. M4Q was absolutely perfect, because it effectively accelerated the process[…] this acceleration has increased our chances of commercialising this technology[…] being able to work with NPL definitely increases our chances of success.” – Andrei Dragomir, CEO at Aquark.
These three success stories highlighted the M4Q programme’s critical role in advancing quantum technology solutions for UK companies through making manufacturing more efficient and enhancing product and technology credibility to attract investors, partners, and customers alike.
Key Benefits of the M4Q programme
MQ4 offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of quantum technology startups in the UK. The programme features tailored support that addresses the unique challenges faced by each startup. This support includes direct access to NPL’s extensive metrology and quantum technology expertise with the use of NPL’s testing facilities.
To get a sense of the value M4Q provides, the programme offers no charges for the first 20 days of support. This makes it accessible for quantum startups whether operating in the lab, conceptual, or go-to-market stage of development.
The programme further upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection, ensuring that sensitive information and performance data are secure between the quantum startup and NPL.
The application process for the M4Q programme is designed to be straightforward with minimal red tape and bureaucratic hurdles, accelerating startups to access the support they need.
The combination of accessibility, expert support, on-premises testing, and flexible assistance makes the M4Q programme ideal for quantum technology companies transitioning from lab to market. Through data point by data point, NPL with the M4Q programme, is embedding the role of the UK as a quantum technology leader.
Conclusion
The M4Q programme is designed for the benefit of UK quantum technology companies. By providing specialised metrology expertise and high-tech testing facilities, M4Q helps translate quantum concepts into practical products.
UK-based quantum technology companies are encouraged to apply to the M4Q programme to explore how they can benefit from NPL’s independent metrology services and expertise.
Next steps Find out more about M4Q and how to apply.
