SparQ quantum readiness programme
The NQCC's programme for helping UK companies and researchers find uses for quantum computers and get access to them.
Project data last updated 11 October 2026
About this project
The NQCC launched SparQ in 2022. It began by supporting the discovery and development of quantum applications. It has since added access to quantum computing platforms, collaborative R&D projects, public-private funding and training such as hackathons.
Through SparQ Access, UK academics and businesses can request time on several quantum computing platforms. Academic allocations are made each quarter.
Who leads it
Lead organisation
NQCC
Research organisation · Harwell
The UK's national quantum computing lab at Harwell: seven hardware testbeds, the SparQ user programme and the UK's first 100-qubit machine.
Funders
-
NQCC
Research organisation · Harwell
In the news
Quantum Zeitgeist articles about SparQ, then ones naming its lead or partners.
UK’s SparQ Access Opens 15 Quantum Platforms for Researchers, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
The NQCC’s SparQ Access program opens 15 quantum platforms to researchers, growing the UK’s quantum computing user community.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
NQCC SparQ: Quantum Access for UK Academics, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
NQCC's SparQ Access program provides UK academics with quantum compute resources to accelerate research and skills development.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
12 NQCC Quantum Computing Projects Awarded SparQ Funding, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
In a significant step forward for quantum computing, the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has announced funding for 12 innovative projects that will explore the technology’s potential in various fields. These projects, set to run until March 2025, are part of the NQCC’s SparQ programme and i
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
UK Access Program: Quantum Computing Resources, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
The UK's National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has launched the Quantum Computing Access Programme, providing researchers with access to cutting-edge quantum computing resources for research, skill development, and application development. The programme is part of the NQCC's 'SparQ' initiative, a
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Sources
- NQCC: Spearheading quantum readiness: applications discovery and the SparQ programme (nqcc.ac.uk)
- NQCC: SparQ (nqcc.ac.uk)
- GOV.UK: New national quantum laboratory to open up access to quantum computing (25 October 2024) (gov.uk)
- Quantum Zeitgeist: NQCC SparQ: quantum access for UK academics (quantumzeitgeist.com)
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