2025 STFC Cross Cluster Proof of Concept: SparQ Quantum Computing Call

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), in collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s Campus and Cluster team, is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 call for proof of concept projects in quantum computing.

Join the Launch Webinar

Celebrating

Visit our IYQ 2025 page

Users from the UK academic community may apply for access to quantum computing resources in support of research activities at UK universities. Access is awarded on a three-month basis, subject to a rolling application and review process.

Applications for the period 1st February-30th April 2026 are now open. Click here to submit a proposal

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Use of quantum computing resources must be in support of a project/activity conducted at a UK university. 
  • Applications must be submitted by the Principal Investigator.
  • The Principal Investigator should be the individual who takes responsibility for the intellectual leadership of the project and for the overall management, and should ensure that they have the appropriate permissions and comply with the eligibility requirements of their university.
  • The Principal Investigator must be a registered member of staff at a UK university. 
  • Project team members requiring access to the quantum computing resource (QC users) must be registered at a UK university. 
  • Principal Investigators must confirm that diligence has been paid to the trusted research guidelines outlined in the following document UKRI Trusted Research and Innovation Principles.

Please note, quantum computing resource suppliers may impose additional terms.

Guidance for Applicants

  • Applicants should complete the following questions to provide details of the proposed project/activity, anticipated outcomes, resource requirements, and quantum computing user credentials. 
  • Proposals will be reviewed by an assessor panel with regard to their technical merit, impact and the ability of the project team to execute the described technical work. 

While applications from all sectors are welcome, use cases from energy, healthcare and transport/logistics are particularly encouraged. Collaboration with organisations associated with the STFC Innovation Clusters at Harwell Campus and Sci-Tech Daresbury is also encouraged.

Projects are expected to last up to 3 months. Access to application development support and quantum computing resources is available and must be discussed with NQCC ahead of applying. 

Click here to apply.