Access Google Quantum AI Willow processor through the NQCC

Access the Willow processor from Google Quantum AI through NQCC for high-impact scientific research

The joint initiative builds on the UK-US Technology Prosperity Deal and a broad collaboration agreement between Google Cloud and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This initiative aligns with the UK National Quantum Strategy and will help collaboration in quantum technologies and advanced computing.

About the opportunity: Call for proposals

As a part of the collaboration, the NQCC and Google Quantum AI invite proposals from UK researchers and research consortia for access to the state-of-the-art Willow processor, with world-leading error correction, for high-impact, innovative projects.

The successful research team will work closely with experts from Google to design and conduct their experiments, while the NQCC will make available its technical expertise in support of the project. The NQCC will also offer research grants to fund researcher time for the successful UK research group.

What researchers need to provide

UK researchers will be able to submit proposals describing their intended experiments or applications, the scientific rationale behind them, and how access to Willow could enable transformative results.

Eligibility criteria

Proposals should be led by UK researchers based at UK research organisations or UK universities. Collaboration partners from industry are welcome. No grant funding is available to support industry participation. The NQCC looks forward to supporting the successful project consortia arising from this opportunity. While collaboration with the NQCC is encouraged, it is not a requirement for proposal eligibility or delivery.

Call for proposals: Apply here

Briefing webinar

To support the launch of the call, we will hold a webinar on 8th January 2026 at 15:00 hours (GMT). Participants will learn about the call objectives and project scope, gain an understanding of eligibility and the application process, and will have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A.

Proposals will be reviewed based on:

Technical feasibility on Willow quantum processors

Motivation and potential for high impact, such as a path to beyond-classical applications or scientific discoveries

Timeline and funding

Briefing webinar: To support the launch of the call, we will hold a webinar on 8th January 2026 at 15:00 hours (GMT)
Project timeframe: Each proposal should be for a 12-month project, running from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027
Proposal deadline: Proposals should be submitted through the NQCC portal by 31st January 2026
Funding for the winning proposal: Research awards in support of academic resources are available from NQCC up to a value of £250,000.

For any queries: email here

Hardware Experiment Proposal Guidance

This document contains additional technical guidance for UK researchers expressing their interest in running an experiment on Google quantum hardware through the NQCC.

Read here

Press Release

NQCC and Google Quantum AI launch new initiative to accelerate quantum science in the UK