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.
Timeline and funding
- Project timeframe: Proposals should be for 12-month projects running from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027
- Proposal deadline: Proposals should be submitted through the NQCC portal by 31st January 2026
- Funding: A research award in support of academic resources is available from the NQCC up to a value of £250,000.
Click here to submit a proposal