UK launches National Quantum Standards Network to strengthen future tech leadership
The UK government has created a new National Quantum Standards Network that will shape how quantum technologies are developed, tested, and trusted
The National Quantum Standards Network is being supported by £10 million in funding and will be led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
The overall goal is to establish clear and consistent technical standards that can support the safe and reliable growth of quantum technologies, an emerging field expected to transform sectors such as healthcare, finance, transport and communications.
Supporting industry and international leadership
This is seen as crucial for securing international competitiveness, particularly as other countries invest heavily in quantum research and commercialisation.
By contributing directly to global standards-setting efforts, the UK aims to strengthen its influence in an industry that could reshape computing, data security and advanced sensing over the coming decades.
The National Quantum Standards Network is also intended to give British firms greater confidence when scaling up their innovations and exporting products worldwide.
What the standards will cover
Quantum technology operates at extremely small scales, where precision and consistency are essential. The new standards network will work on technical requirements across a wide range of areas.
This includes specifications for ultra-precise lasers used to control qubits in quantum computers, as well as performance measures for quantum sensors. It will also address practical engineering considerations such as size, weight, energy efficiency and reliability, helping ensure that different quantum devices can be compared and trusted across applications.
By developing shared benchmarks, the network aims to make it easier for businesses and researchers to collaborate, test products and bring innovations out of the lab and into real-world use.
Economic and scientific impact
The UK government believes quantum technologies could deliver substantial long-term economic benefits, with estimates suggesting they could add more than £200 billion to the UK economy and support over 100,000 jobs.
Officials say that establishing strong standards early will help accelerate industry adoption, particularly in high-value sectors such as banking, where quantum tools could enhance secure transactions, and healthcare, where they could improve diagnostics and drug discovery.
Standardisation is also expected to reduce uncertainty for investors and businesses, making it easier to scale promising technologies and attract international funding into the UK.
Building on a major national investment
The launch of the National Quantum Standards Network builds on broader government investment in quantum science and engineering. This includes a multi-billion-pound commitment to advancing the sector, as well as funding for large-scale quantum computing infrastructure designed to support research and commercial development.
Alongside this investment, the UK is positioning itself as a global hub for quantum innovation, combining scientific expertise with industrial strategy. The creation of a coordinated standards framework is intended to ensure that breakthroughs in laboratories can be translated into trusted, widely adopted technologies that deliver real-world impact.
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