Collaboration, not competition: can the UK’s growing quantum ecosystem unlock a future of shared success?

A few weeks ago, UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance announced that the newly opened National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) marked “a vital step forward in the UK’s efforts to advance quantum technologies.” Valance added that, “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.”

It feels like a much-needed step, but in many ways it is also a call for increased collaboration between the UK’s regional clusters, institutions, and industry, one that emphasises collective growth over competition. On the surface this appears to make a lot of sense, but as we know reality can often skew even the best-laid plans.

At a recent roundtable discussion at the Bristol Tech Festival, participants explored the idea of a more collaborative approach, to ensure that the UK’s quantum ecosystem can maximise its potential. Representatives from start-up advisers, academia, and government agreed that for the UK to establish itself as a global leader, regional clusters need to work together rather than compete in isolation.

As Dagmar Steffens, head of innovation and inward investment at the West of England Combined Authority, said, “we should be capitalising on what makes each region unique, whether that’s Bristol’s strengths in quantum photonics or Glasgow’s work on lasers. When regions specialise and collaborate, we avoid duplication and can offer more comprehensive solutions to international partners and investors.”

This emphasis on specialisation allows regions to hone in on their unique capabilities, contributing to a stronger national ecosystem. Collaboration also enables a more strategic allocation of resources, Steffens added, something which can be particularly crucial in areas that demand high levels of funding, such as quantum infrastructure.

According to John Marsh, engineering services manager at Accenture Industry X, while quantum computing is still very much in the proof-of-concept stage, at least from clients’ perspectives, “when we share resources, knowledge, and funding across regions, we not only speed up development but also create a compelling case for international investment in the UK.”

Building a collaborative national ecosystem

The UK’s NQCC surely embodies this drive toward a unified approach, serving as a centralised facility that encourages cross-regional research and development. The goal is to foster breakthroughs that would be difficult for isolated clusters to achieve on their own.

Steffens pointed out that this model could emulate successful European initiatives. “There’s a substantial investment in Europe, with cities working together to create quantum networks that offer solution providers with test environments in real-world settings,” she said. “By adopting a similar approach, we could give UK quantum companies a competitive edge.”

However, creating this interconnected infrastructure requires overcoming significant challenges. Francesco Raffaelli, lead integrated photonics engineer at KETS Quantum Security, stressed that UK quantum clusters need shared testbeds and demo facilities to allow companies to demonstrate their technologies in practical contexts.

“What we really need is a network of stations, where quantum devices can be tested outside the lab in real-world scenarios. If we had a quantum testbed in Bristol, for example, companies across sectors could see first-hand how these technologies could work for them,” he explained.

Another critical aspect discussed at the roundtable was the need for robust public-private partnerships to bridge gaps in funding and help commercialise quantum technologies. These partnerships would enable regions to share the financial load while aligning their projects with the national quantum agenda.

“It’s not enough to just build technologies,” said Steffens. “We need frameworks that make those technologies viable at scale. We have to work closely with industry partners and ensure that government policies are in sync with the practical needs of the quantum sector.”

Ruth Oulton, professor of quantum photonics at the University of Bristol, echoed this sentiment, advocating for partnerships between government and businesses to facilitate the transition of quantum technologies from lab to market.

“The investment we’re seeing in photonics and semiconductors is promising, but we need to see more private sector engagement,” she said. “It’s only through a combined effort that we’ll be able to scale these technologies effectively, particularly in sectors like telecoms and aerospace.”

Overcoming legacy systems and industry barriers

One of the obstacles to collaboration lies in the legacy systems that dominate industries like telecommunications and aerospace, where the adoption of quantum technologies could face resistance. 

“Legacy systems are deeply embedded, and replacing them requires significant investment and operational shifts,” said Marsh from Accenture. “But if we position quantum technology as complementary, with testbeds and pilot programs that demonstrate real value, we’ll start to see adoption in these industries.”

This approach aligns with Raffaelli’s vision for testbeds and real-world demonstrations, which would not only help build investor confidence but also attract talent and expertise from related fields.

“To make these technologies viable, we need the right people in place – engineers, scientists, and business leaders – who understand the specific demands of each sector,” Raffaelli explained. “A testbed can bridge the gap by giving these experts a space to collaborate and innovate together.”

A unified vision for the future

As the roundtable participants reiterated, the future of the UK’s quantum ecosystem depends on unity, cooperation and targeted action. The NQCC serves as a promising start but continued investment in regional specialisations, public-private partnerships, and shared infrastructure will be necessary to sustain momentum. By aligning their efforts, the UK’s quantum clusters can create a formidable ecosystem, where the sum of the whole is greater than its parts. This should help not just with inward investment but also in making the UK quantum industry more dynamic and resilient.

“If we want the UK to be at the forefront of quantum technology, we have to start thinking and acting as a single, cohesive ecosystem,” said Steffens. “Our strength lies in our diversity but we need a framework that enables all parts to contribute to a common goal. Only then can we unlock the full potential of quantum and solidify our place as a global leader.”

The quantum industry demands extensive resources – financial, intellectual, and infrastructural – that few regions can provide independently. Collaborative efforts allow regions to pool these resources, maximising their collective impact.

Furthermore, a collaborative approach enhances the UK’s appeal to international investors. As Quantum Insider recently highlighted, the UK is seen as a leader in creating quantum companies and attracting investment. By uniting efforts, the UK can offer a competitive edge that appeals to foreign investment, driving global confidence in the UK’s quantum ambitions.

Europe has set a benchmark with “a substantial investment… where all the major cities of the European Union are putting in place quantum networks for solution providers,” said Steffens. Emulating this model, the UK can provide a similar platform for homegrown and international researchers, bridging regional and sectoral divides.

Universities play an equally important role in this collaborative ecosystem. Institutions such as the University of Bristol can serve as hubs for research, talent development, and industry partnerships. The Quantum Engineering CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) is a noteworthy model, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among students and integrating business training with academic research. As Ben Shorrock, CEO of techSPARK, said, “the Quantum Engineering CDT has really created this idea that maybe you’ll join a start-up. It created the right context in which they see that as being normal.”

Still some big hills to climb

Despite the benefits of collaboration, challenges remain, especially around entrenched legacy mindsets. Many traditional players in the sector may not yet be inclined to work across disciplines or adopt collaborative business practices. There is a need for experienced leaders, who understand the potential of quantum technology, to really embed themselves within the industry to help it flourish.

Access to mentorship and experienced business leaders can make a difference, particularly for emerging start-ups. By actively seeking out and attracting mentors with experience in deep tech commercialisation, the UK can guide young quantum companies toward sustainable growth. That’s the theory at least, but there is a lot of work to do.

Mustafa Rampuri, director of start-up Duality Quantum Photonics, pointed out that “quantum technologies work in ways that are very different to classical technologies. By harnessing the properties of single particles of light or single atoms, engineers and scientists have developed a new class of technology that goes far beyond the limitations of classical physics.”

The point is that this demands a new way of thinking. New skills are needed. “This starts by breaking out of conventional modes of working to encourage people from diverse backgrounds and from all walks of life to engage with these types of activities in a way and a format that works for them,” he said.

On that front, quantum is like other industries – it needs more skills, diverse people, more funding and more collaboration to drive rapid growth. Undeniably though, the industry is reaching a pivotal moment. There is a clamour for more use cases, some tangible returns on the investments. VC funding has apparently slowed in 2024 but there is still plenty of optimism. As a BCG report recently claimed, the future still looks bright:

“We continue to have confidence in our projection that quantum computing will create $450 billion to $850 billion of economic value – sustaining a $90 billion to $170 billion market for hardware and software providers by 2040.”