October 23 2025 -- A new London Quantum Cluster will bring together the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King’s College London with businesses, communities, government and investors to position the capital as a global hub for quantum technology.  

As announced in May 2025, the cluster is being seeded with a £500,000 investment from the Mayor of London, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as part of the city’s long-term economic growth strategy.  

Dr Cyrus Larijani, Head of Quantum Programme at NPL, joins the cluster’s advisory board to provide both scientific expertise and insights from industry.  

The initiative aims to support and nurture a thriving quantum ecosystem in London that will accelerate the commercialisation of quantum research, support startups and spinouts, and unlock tangible economic benefits for London and the UK. This is in-line with UK National Quantum Technology Programme that aims to stimulate market growth, support innovation and grow a thriving ecosystem.

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and quantum is among the high-growth sectors identified in the London Growth Plan that was published in February 2025. The plan outlines a vision to grow London’s economy by £107 billion by 2035 and create 150,000 high-value jobs by 2028, with quantum playing a central role in driving productivity growth and innovation.

NPL's role will be to support industry via the Measurement for Quantum (M4Q) programme, by removing barriers to innovation and allowing access to specialist science and engineering expertise at no charge. To date M4Q has delivered 71 projects, with 63% of companies saying their commercial opportunity has greatly or moderately increased as a result of their project.  

The cluster’s vision is not only to make London one of the best places in the world to start and grow a quantum business, but also to serve as a catalyst for regional and international collaboration. By fostering smart specialisation and the development of pan-European supply chains, the cluster aims to amplify the UK’s leadership in quantum and support the growth of similar ecosystems across the country and continent.  

NPL is helping co-ordinate UK involvement in Quantum standards which are rapidly developing internationally. A key activity is strengthening our engagement in international standards and benchmarking, NPL is also developing methodologies for the characterisation of quantum technologies. The resulting expertise is invaluable in standards development and we are supporting the UK industry on the testing methodology needed as the foundation of future product specifications.  

Cyrus Larijani, Head of Quantum Programme, NPL, said: “Our involvement in the London Quantum Cluster is a landmark moment for NPL. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to drive forward scientific discovery, economic growth and bring together city investment within the UK and international quantum industry. I look forward to also engaging with schools and educators to start to develop the next generation and future skills we will need to continue to build our thriving quantum ecosystem.”  

Phil Giesler, local ward Councillor for Teddington and Richmond Council's lead member for Business and Growth added, "We are really pleased to see NPL as a key member of the new cluster, cementing the Teddington site's status in the new quantum industry.”