Contracts for Innovation: ProQure - Scaling UK Quantum Computing

The ProQure programme represents a major UK Government initiative to position the UK as a global leader in quantum computing. This first phase focuses on developing, building and validating full-stack quantum computing systems, with the long-term ambition of enabling large-scale deployment beyond 2030.

Unlike traditional grant funding, this competition is delivered through a Contracts for Innovation model, meaning successful applicants will receive a procurement contract to deliver defined R&D services.

Projects are expected to deliver both technical advancement and commercial readiness, ensuring solutions can scale to meet real-world industrial and societal applications.

What your project must deliver

This competition is designed for organisations capable of delivering integrated quantum computing solutions with clear commercial potential.

Your project must:

• Develop and validate integrated quantum hardware and software systems
• Demonstrate scalable performance improvements over current state-of-the-art systems
• Build a full software stack including compilers, algorithms and error correction approaches
• Deliver an operational testbed for independent evaluation and verification
• Provide a credible technical, commercial and investment roadmap  

Projects must also define how their solution will be deployed and accessed by users, supporting the growth of a broader quantum ecosystem.

Technology and innovation focus

The competition targets second generation quantum technologies that enable coherent control of quantum states such as superposition and entanglement.

Key areas include:

• Scalable quantum computing architectures and system design
• Integration of hardware and software into full-stack solutions
• Development of quantum algorithms and high impact applications
• Testbeds enabling user access and system validation
• Tools to accelerate user adoption and developer ecosystems

Projects must demonstrate clear differentiation from global competitors and show strong potential for UK-based economic and societal impact. Subcontractors can be included for specialist expertise, but core delivery must remain with the lead organisation.