The UK government has announced the opening of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, UK. The 4,000 sqm (43,056 sq ft) facility will house 12 quantum computers and will provide industry, academia, and other sectors with open access to quantum computing platforms. It forms part of the government’s ten-year program to build out the UK’s quantum ecosystem through support for the development of quantum hardware, software, and applications.
More than 70 staff members will be based at the NQCC, with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) also announcing that the center will provide the world’s first dedicated quantum apprenticeship program, in addition to 30 PhD studentships, summer placements, and crash courses for those in industry.
“The National Quantum Computing Centre marks a vital step forward in the UK’s efforts to advance quantum technologies,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance. “By making its facilities available to users from across industry and academia, and with its focus on making quantum computers practically useable at scale, this Centre will help them solve some of the biggest challenges we face, whether it’s delivering advances in healthcare, enhancing energy efficiency, tackling climate change, or inventing new materials.”
