April 10, 2025 -- The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub will address the challenges underpinning the establishment of a “quantum internet”, by developing the novel technologies, protocols and industry standards necessary for the deployment of a secure, scalable, quantum communications infrastructure for the UK and beyond.

Led by Heriot-Watt University and supported by over £42M of EPSRC funding and industry contributions, the new Hub brings together the expertise of a further 12 leading UK universities (Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Imperial, Oxford, Queen’s Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, Strathclyde, Warwick and York), two national laboratories – the National Physical Laboratory and STFC RAL Space – and over 40 industrial partners to secure the UK’s leadership in quantum secure communications.

The project was formally launched yesterday in Edinburgh at an event attended by over 120 researchers, industry stakeholders, and government representatives. This included senior figures from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UKRI, GCHQ, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Technology Scotland, the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), as well as key figures from the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.

Quantum networks enable the transmission and sharing of quantum information by harnessing entanglement and quantum measurement—capabilities that go beyond what classical systems can achieve. The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub is working to realise scalable, practical quantum networks, from local links between quantum processors to national entanglement infrastructure and intercontinental satellite-based communications. This pioneering research opens up transformative possibilities in quantum-secure communications, distributed quantum computing, and ultra-sensitive quantum sensor networks. The hub’s vision aligns with the UK Government’s national quantum strategy, which sets out an ambitious goal: by 2035, the UK will have deployed the world’s most advanced quantum network infrastructure.

Kickstarting the proceedings, Tom Newby, Head of DSIT’s Office for Quantum, talked about the opportunities afforded by quantum technologies for the UK’s evolving industry landscape, the development of supporting skillsets and the potential for economic boost through leading innovation and commercialisation activities.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

“Supporting the deployment of technology that emerges from the Quantum Research Hubs will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy, all of which are key to our Plan for Change.

“By pooling expertise from across the UK to capitalise on quantum technology, we can transform sectors like healthcare and security to improve lives and create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.”

The event featured a series of expert talks and panel discussions with industry partners, spotlighting the Hub’s vision to develop and commercialise next-generation quantum communication technologies. Highlights included advances in quantum memories, new network designs that integrate with today’s fibre-optic infrastructure, and satellite-enabled quantum communication—already being demonstrated through SPOQC, one of the UK’s flagship quantum space missions. To support the growing quantum ecosystem, researchers are also working on essential technologies like quantum light sources, detectors and switches, while contributing to the development of future security standards that will help shape the industry as it scales.

Andrew Lord, Head of Optical Network Research at BT, a key industry partners of the project, said:

“BT is thrilled that this crucial quantum networks hub has been launched and we look forward to being involved with it. Quantum networks go far beyond Quantum Key Distribution and we are excited to see research leading towards the ultimate promise of quantum connections between quantum computers.”

Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise, Heriot-Watt University added:

“Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do at Heriot-Watt. By working closely with industry, government, and research partners through initiatives like the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, we’re helping to shape the innovation clusters of the future—ones that will drive economic growth, deliver secure technologies, and position the UK as a global leader in quantum innovation. These partnerships are critical to developing future talent, unlocking new capabilities and translating world-class research into real-world impact.”

The IQN Hub is part of a network of five quantum technology hubs, launched by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with a £106 million investment from EPSRC, the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), UKRI Medical Research Council (MRC), and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).