Imperial leads new Quantum SuperConnector to accelerate commercial success of UK quantum research

The UK-wide programme will equip quantum innovators with the entrepreneurial skills, networks and support needed to turn world-leading quantum research into high-growth businesses.

A consortium of five of the UK’s top universities, led by Imperial College London, has announced the launch of the UK Quantum SuperConnector, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between quantum research and commercial success across the UK.  

The SuperConnector will turn world-class quantum research into impactful solutions by creating a UK-wide community of entrepreneurs, investors, industry adopters and policymakers that will strengthen the UK’s vibrant quantum ecosystem across the UK.   

Professor Ramana Nanda from Imperial Business School will serve as Director of the SuperConnector, with Dr Jess Wade from Imperial’s Department of Materials as Deputy Director. 

National skills centre

The programme will deliver a national skills ‘centre’ - open to researchers from anywhere in the UK – to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies, attract investment and enable growth. SuperConnector is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Quantum IS8 programme. 
 

We want to help researchers see how exciting entrepreneurship can be and support them in turning lab breakthroughs into commercial success. Dr Jess Wade Deputy Director of the UK Quantum SuperConnector

The founding group – Imperial, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford – are renowned for their distinct strengths in quantum as well as their deep expertise in commercialisation. Imperial, in particular, brings the expertise of Imperial Business School, strengthening its capability in translating scientific innovation into commercial impact.  

By connecting regional strengths in quantum research, entrepreneurship and industry, the UK Quantum SuperConnector will help build stronger innovation clusters across the country and support the growth of globally significant companies in every region of the UK. The SuperConnector will also support the Government’s mission to re-industrialise the UK as an innovation-led, research-driven economy, and harness the UK’s exceptional higher education assets in support of this ambition to be a world-leader in innovation.  

As the London anchor for the UK Quantum SuperConnector, Imperial will leverage the broader WestTech London network, uniting the innovation capabilities of West London and connected regional clusters nationwide.  

A central aim of UK Quantum SuperConnector is to support the commercial market for quantum applications in critical sectors including healthcare, finance, aerospace and defence.   

Translating quantum research into valuable commercial assets

The Centre will focus on building the commercial skills and networks needed to translate quantum research into valuable commercial assets, including new quantum and quantum-enabled ventures, licensing opportunities, partnerships and collaborative R&D. 

Commenting on the launch of the UK Quantum Superconnector, Dr Jess Wade said: “We want to help researchers see how exciting entrepreneurship can be and support them in turning lab breakthroughs into commercial success. Alongside accelerators and masterclasses, we will bring researchers together with industry, end-users, investors and other partners to explore real-world challenges, test where the demand is, and help shape quantum technologies around genuine routes to adoption.” 

Professor Ramana Nanda said: "The UK has a unique opportunity to turn its world-leading quantum research into globally competitive companies that will create jobs and drive economic growth. The UK Quantum SuperConnector will help unlock that potential by accelerating the journey from breakthrough science to real-world impact and helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs and world-leading quantum companies across the UK." 

Dr Derek Craig, Programme Director for the UKRI IS8 Quantum said: “The UK Quantum SuperConnector is our flagship investment in quantum commercialisation skills, helping turn world-class research into world-leading businesses.  

"By connecting researchers with investors, entrepreneurs and industry partners, it will equip the next generation of quantum innovators with the skills, networks and support needed to accelerate commercial success. This UK-wide programme will strengthen the pipeline of investable quantum ventures, support new spinouts and help ensure the UK captures the economic opportunities created by its quantum leadership.” 

The UK Quantum SuperConnector are now inviting the UK quantum community and beyond to get involved via their Expression of Interest form – including researchers, founders, investors, deep-tech companies, end-users and organisations in the sectors that quantum technologies could transform. That could mean joining a programme, mentoring a founder, bringing an industry challenge, hosting a secondee, sharing best practice, contributing to training or investing in emerging ventures.