This is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK (IUK).
The aim of this competition is to explore the benefit of using quantum technologies in various areas of interest for the UK Government. Accelerating the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector and for the public benefit.
This competition is divided in two contracted phases:
At the end of phase 1, the UK Government will assess the proposals developed, based on the end of phase 1 reports. Only successful projects will be invited to continue with a contract to phase 2.
In applying to this competition you are entering into a competitive process.
Any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject to a separate, possibly competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution.
This competition closes at 11am UK time on the date of the deadline.
Quantum Technologies have developed greatly in the last ten years, helped by support from the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. However, there is a partial understanding of the potential of quantum technologies within the UK Government and the public sector.
The Quantum Catalyst is aimed at helping innovators and the UK Government to come to a common understanding. Looking at how the potential of quantum technologies meets the specific needs of a certain sector.
The aim of this competition is to explore the benefit of using quantum technologies in various areas of interest for the UK Government. Accelerating the adoption of quantum solutions by the public sector and for the public benefit.
The UK Government has already identified some areas of interest, but this is largely as an indication of critical areas rather than a list of mandatory topics:
In phase 1 you must conduct a desk study with detailed planning for a specific application of quantum technologies in the public sector. You must align this with the UK Governments areas of interest. Phase 1 is an opportunity to engage with a government department or organisation on the challenge you propose to develop further in phase 2.
In a Phase 2 demonstrator, your project will be tested to assure and prove that the developed proposal is suitable and feasible in meeting a specific need or problem for the Government.
Your project must:
Contracts will be given to successful applicants.
At this stage contracts will be given for phase 1 only.
You must define your goals in your application and outline your plan for phase 2. This is part of the full commercial implementation in your phase 1 application.
You must demonstrate a credible and practical route to market, so your application must include a plan to commercialise your results.
Your project can focus on one or more of the following quantum technologies:
Suggested challenge areas for the UK Government are:
This list is not exhaustive.
Your proposal must address one or more challenge areas for the UK Government and present a credible and realistic solution, where quantum technologies can successfully be used.
Phase 1: technical feasibility studies
This means planned research or critical investigation, by a desk study, with detailed planning, to gain new knowledge and skills for developing new products, processes or services.
In phase 1 you will work with the stakeholders to develop a detailed solution and produce a final report that will be assessed by the UK Government and form part of the decision for an invitation to phase 2. The outcome of phase 2 will be a prototype and demonstration of the solution.
Phase 2: prototype development and evaluation
This can include prototyping, demonstrating, piloting, testing and validation of new or improved products, processes or services in environments representative of real-life operating conditions. The primary objective is to make further technical improvements on products, processes or services that are not substantially set.
We will not fund projects that:
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