The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 SparQ Proof of Concept grants. The grants, worth up to £75,000 ($95,000), support business-led projects that explore practical applications of quantum computing in various sectors. The selected projects cover a wide range of fields, including healthcare, energy, logistics, and aerospace.
Some notable projects include using quantum machine learning for early cancer detection, optimizing sensor networks for disaster response, and developing quantum-powered solutions for renewable energy systems. The SparQ program, which runs through March 2025, aims to foster partnerships among industry, academia, and government entities. By bringing together these different stakeholders, the NQCC hopes to accelerate the development of quantum computing applications that can solve real-world problems.
“These projects were selected for their potential to demonstrate how quantum computing could solve real-world problems,” said a spokesperson for the NQCC.
2025 SparQ grant recipients announced
“The SparQ Proof of Concept grants aim to bridge the gap between research and practical application.”
The grants are part of a larger effort to promote quantum technology during the International Year of Quantum.
The NQCC, in collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), launched the SparQ initiative in July 2024 to support this goal. The selected projects involve a diverse group of organizations, including Oxford Ionics, Mind Foundry, Quantinuum, and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital. These collaborations highlight the importance of bringing together expertise from different fields to advance quantum computing applications.
As the SparQ program progresses, the NQCC expects to see significant developments in the practical applications of quantum technology. These advances could have far-reaching implications for industries ranging from healthcare to energy to aerospace. For more information on the SparQ program and the selected projects, interested parties can visit the NQCC website or contact their press office.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
