Contracts for Innovation: Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking, £20M
Summary
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has opened a £20 million grant funding opportunity for the development of deployable prototypes of enabling components or sub-systems for commercial quantum networking. UK organisations may apply as lead applicants, either alone or with subcontractors, until the 20 May 2026 closing date at 11:00am UK time. The funding is inclusive of VAT and will be awarded to a single legal entity.
What changed
Innovate UK has launched a £20 million grant funding competition under the Contracts for Innovation programme to accelerate the development of commercial quantum networking technology. Eligible UK organisations may apply to lead projects developing enabling components or sub-systems, with the option to include subcontractors. Applications close on 20 May 2026 at 11:00am UK time. Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only. The funding is inclusive of VAT and represents part of the UK's strategic investment in quantum technologies.
UK businesses engaged in quantum computing, telecommunications, and related technology development should assess their eligibility and consider applying before the deadline. Organisations must be UK-based to lead a project but may include EU, EEA, or international partners as subcontractors. Further details and application materials are available through the Innovation Funding Service portal.
Archived snapshot
Apr 17, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Funding opportunity
Funding opportunity: Contracts for Innovation: enabling commercial quantum networking
Opportunity status: Open Funders: Innovate UK Funding type: Grant Total fund: £20,000,000 Publication date: 16 April 2026 Opening date:
14 April 2026 9:00am UK time
Closing date:
20 May 2026 11:00am UK time
See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
Organisations can apply for a share of £20 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop a deployable prototype of an enabling component or sub-system for commercial quantum networking.
Eligibility summary
To lead a project, you can:
- be a UK organisation, including those based in the EU, European economic area or internationally
- work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only.
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