Funding for international quantum innovation

Apply for a share of up to £3 million for innovative projects in quantum

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £3 million to fund UK-German partnerships developing quantum technologies ready for market.

To be eligible, projects must demonstrate co-innovation and focus on development, prototyping and testing of commercial quantum technologies in these areas:

• hardware to scale quantum computing, such as qubit processors, switching, networking or control systems
• commercial quantum computing software and services
• scalable industrial products or processes, such as chip-scale quantum, photonic or optoelectronic systems
• quantum sensing for clocks, industrial tools, medical devices, imaging, resource mapping or surveys

Projects must also show clear potential to sell results in the UK or global markets.

UK-registered businesses can request grant funding of between £750,000 and £1 million. They must collaborate with at least one German-based business, applying under the equivalent Federal Ministry of Technology, Research and Space scheme. The German business must be a separate legal entity, not linked to the UK partners.

The majority of the project work must be undertaken in the UK and Germany. Costs and contributions should be balanced across both partners and countries.

The deadline for applications is 11am on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Find out more about this UK-Germany collaborative innovation for quantum technologies competition.

Potential applicants can join an online briefing event on 20 February 2026 to learn more.

First published 16 February 2026