A major Cambridge–IonQ partnership will establish the UK’s most powerful quantum computer to advance research.
The University of Cambridge has launched its largest corporate research collaboration through a strategic partnership with quantum technology company IonQ. The agreement will establish the UK’s most powerful quantum computer at Cambridge, strengthening the country’s quantum research infrastructure and expanding access to advanced computational capabilities.
Central to the initiative is the creation of the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre at the Ray Dolby Centre, the new home of Cambridge’s renowned Cavendish Laboratory. The facility will host a 256-qubit IonQ quantum computer, representing the most advanced quantum computing system in the United Kingdom when installed.
The partnership aligns with the UK’s long-term ambition to become a global leader in quantum technology, while opening new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, industrial collaboration and innovation across sectors including digital construction, engineering and advanced materials.
Anchor UK quantum computing infrastructure
The IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre will support research across quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing and quantum security. Located within the Ray Dolby Centre, the facility will also expand the research capacity of the Cavendish Laboratory, which has historically played a central role in global physics research.
The installation of a 256-qubit quantum computer marks a major milestone in the development of scalable quantum computing in the UK. Quantum computers operate using quantum phenomena that cannot be explained by classical physics, enabling levels of computational performance that traditional systems cannot achieve.
These capabilities have implications across multiple sectors. In digital construction and infrastructure planning, advanced computing models could enable more accurate simulations of materials, energy systems and complex networks. Quantum-enabled modelling may also support faster analysis of large-scale datasets used in smart infrastructure, digital twins and sustainable urban development.
Innovate UK and National Quantum Computing Centre Support
Access to the quantum computer will extend beyond Cambridge researchers. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will provide computing access and operational support for the National Quantum Computing Centre over a three-year period.
This arrangement enables researchers, startups and early-stage technology companies from across the UK to use the new system. By providing access to commercial-scale quantum computing within a university environment, the partnership aims to accelerate research translation and technology development.
“I am delighted that Innovate UK is supporting the University of Cambridge in establishing the Quantum Innovation Centre,” said Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK.
“Back in 2020, Innovate UK awarded a small collaborative grant to Oxford Ionics, now acquired by IonQ, to help develop a UK industrial supply chain for commercial quantum computing. Just five years later, it is fantastic to see investment on this scale, which will catalyse progress in quantum, create UK jobs, and drive growth across many industrial sectors.”
Accelerating interdisciplinary quantum research
The partnership also includes funding for new academic positions, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students at Cambridge. It will encourage collaboration across disciplines including physics, engineering, computer science, medicine and policy.
According to Professor Mete Atatüre, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory, the initiative will significantly expand Cambridge’s leadership role in the UK’s quantum ecosystem.
“Cambridge is already a critical player in the UK’s national quantum technology programme, and this partnership will supercharge that role,” he said.
“This is a true partnership, with long-term investment, shared research and co-development in all areas of quantum technology, bringing together physics, engineering, medicine, computer science, policy and more.”
The collaboration will also strengthen existing quantum infrastructure, including the Cambridge-to-Bristol quantum network, enabling further development of quantum networking and sensing technologies.
Supporting the UK national quantum strategy
The initiative supports the goals of the UK’s national quantum strategy by expanding both technological capability and research talent. The facility will also help bridge the gap between academic discovery and commercial application.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, emphasised the broader national importance of the initiative.
“We’re proud that Cambridge is at the heart of the UK’s next computing revolution,” she said. “This new and ambitious partnership is the first of its kind for a UK university. It’s not just a new facility for Cambridge, it’s one for the whole of the UK.”
From the industry perspective, Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, highlighted the importance of combining academic research with commercial development.
“This historic agreement with Cambridge deepens IonQ’s commitment to the United Kingdom and accelerates our technology platform with novel research at one of the world’s most storied physics powerhouses,” he said.
Implications for infrastructure, industry and the built environment
Beyond physics research, quantum technologies are expected to influence sectors including infrastructure, materials science and digital engineering. Advanced computational capabilities could support the development of new materials, more precise infrastructure monitoring systems and enhanced modelling tools.
Professor Sir Peter Knight, Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for the National Quantum Technology Programme, emphasised the transformational potential of the technology.
“The new IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre in Cambridge is a wonderful new component in our vision to realise the potential of this transformational science,” he said, noting potential applications such as advanced drug development, infrastructure monitoring and next-generation materials.
The UK government also views the initiative as a significant step in strengthening the country’s scientific and economic capabilities.
“This is a significant moment for brilliant researchers at the University of Cambridge which cements the UK’s credentials as a world-leader in Quantum,” said Lord Vallance, UK Science Minister.
The Cambridge–IonQ partnership strengthens the UK’s quantum computing ecosystem, enabling new research capabilities, supporting industry collaboration, and accelerating innovation that could influence infrastructure, engineering and digital construction.
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