Proof of Concept Call in Quantum Computing

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), in collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s Campus and Cluster Team, is pleased to announce the launch of a call for proof of concept projects in quantum computing.

Key information

Funder: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on behalf of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
Funding type: Grant
Max grant award: £75,000
Opening date: 16th July 2024
Closing date: 10th September 2024

Funding opportunity description

Proposals are invited for this Proof of Concept Call, which is funded through the NQCC’s SparQ programme. This call seeks business-led projects focusing on practical applications and use cases relevant to the public, private, and charitable sectors. It aims to identify and develop early practical applications and use cases for quantum computing, and analyse these applications to understand the software and hardware requirements.

While applications from all sectors are welcome, use cases from healthcare, energy, and transport/logistics are particularly encouraged. Collaboration with organisations associated with the Clusters at Harwell and Sci-Tech Daresbury is also encouraged.

Projects are expected to be typically 3 months, up to 5 months by exception. Access to applications development support and quantum computing resources are available and must be discussed with NQCC ahead of applying.

Scope of projects

The proof of concept project should be directed towards early practical use cases and applications that are relevant to the public, private and charitable sectors. Please note dual-use cases will also be considered.

Projects should focus on:

Analysing the hardware and software requirements for specific use cases
Verifying the capabilities and limitations of current quantum computers
Developing models and trialling solutions with quantum algorithms on real or emulated quantum processors
Benchmarking quantum applications on quantum hardware and emulators.

Eligibility requirements

The projects must be led by a UK registered business. The following organisations can participate in this call as project partners:

Business of any size
Higher education institutions
Research council institutes
Charities
Research organisations
Public sector research establishments
Non-profit research and technology organisations (RTOs), including Catapults.

How to apply

For all queries regarding this call and to request a copy of the complete call guidance, please contact CrossClusterPOC@stfc.ac.uk

Prior to submitting your application, you must email a 1-page summary, briefly outlining your proposed project, including any requests for NQCC support. This will be shared with the NQCC to inform a discussion on whether the requirements for application development support and QC resources can be met in principle. A letter of support is needed from the NQCC as part of your submission.

You are encouraged to discuss your project with a Cluster Development Manager, where relevant.

Webinar

To provide more information about this funding opportunity, we will be holding a webinar on 24th July 2024 at 11:00. This session will cover the objectives, scope, and application process in detail. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and hear from a previous applicant.