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    IQN: Integrated Quantum Networks Quantum Technology Research Hub

    A national research hub building quantum networks, from local links to satellite connections. Heriot-Watt University leads it.

    Project data last updated 11 October 2026

    About this project

    The IQN Hub is one of five quantum technology research hubs funded from December 2024. Professor Gerald Buller of Heriot-Watt University leads it. The hub says it brings together 14 UK universities and two national laboratories, the National Physical Laboratory and STFC RAL Space, with more than 50 industrial partners. Its partner list includes the National Cyber Security Centre and Scottish Enterprise.

    The hub aims to build networks that can share quantum entanglement. Uses include secure communications and linking quantum computers together. It builds on ten years of research in the National Quantum Technologies Programme.

    Who leads it

    • Alessandro Fedrizzi

      Assistant Director, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub

      Heriot-Watt University

    • Christopher Chunnilall

      Principal Scientist, NPL; Quantum-safe Secure Communications Theme Leader, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub

      NPL

    • Ciara Rafferty

      Assistant Director, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub

    • Gerald Buller

      Director, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub; Professor of Physics, Heriot-Watt University

      Heriot-Watt University

    • Jason Smith

      Assistant Director and Quantum Memories Theme Leader, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub

    Lead organisation

    Heriot-Watt University

    University · Edinburgh

    Edinburgh university at the head of the £21.9m Integrated Quantum Networks Hub and the SPOQC quantum key distribution CubeSat launched in March 2026.

    Partners (39)

    Funders

    In the news

    Quantum Zeitgeist articles naming the lead organisation or partners. They may not be about this project.

    • A glowing key formed from binary code floats above a complex circuit board in a darkened server room, dominated by blues and oranges.

      Arqit’s quantum-linked revenue dips to $355,000 – $380,000, read on Quantum Zeitgeist

      Arqit Quantum Inc. announces select preliminary financial results for the second half and full fiscal year 2026, expecting revenue of approximately $355,000 to $380,000 for the second half period ended 30 September 2026. For the full fiscal year ended 30 September 2026, revenue is expected to be $97

      Image © Quantum Zeitgeist

    • Researchers Simulate 21-Spin Molecule on Trapped Ion Computer

      Researchers Simulate 21-Spin Molecule on Trapped Ion Computer, read on Quantum Zeitgeist

      Could a quantum computer accurately predict the complex signature of a molecule previously beyond its reach? Now, using Quantinuum’s System Model H2 trapped-ion processor, scientists have simulated the liquid-state proton NMR spectrum of 1,2-di-tert-butyl-diphosphane at a two-qubit gate depth of 144

      Image © Quantum Zeitgeist

    • Western Australia Team Hits 92·9% Fidelity in State Prep

      Western Australia Team Hits 92·9% Fidelity in State Prep, read on Quantum Zeitgeist

      Efficient quantum state preparation on Quantinuum hardware Validating complex quantum states typically demands millions of measurements, hindering progress towards useful computation. Now, by implementing a pre-measurement basis change, scientists have compressed that process down to only one thousa

      Image © Quantum Zeitgeist

    All news for this project and its partners

    Sources

    1. IQN Hub: Our partners (iqnhub.org)
    2. IQN Hub: Research team (partner institutions) (iqnhub.org)
    3. Gateway to Research: EP/Z533208/1 (gtr.ukri.org)
    4. Heriot-Watt University: Heriot-Watt University to lead UK's pioneering quantum internet research (30 July 2024) (hw.ac.uk)
    5. nodeQ: nodeQ part of the Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub (nodeq.io)
    6. University of Cambridge: Five hubs launched to ensure UK benefits from quantum future (26 July 2024) (cam.ac.uk)
    7. Quantum Zeitgeist: UK Funds Quantum Tech Hubs With $220M (29 July 2024) (quantumzeitgeist.com)