The NQCC Quantum Computing Access Programme
The NQCC Quantum Computing Access Programme provides access to assured quantum compute services to grow the UK’s quantum computing user community.
The programme is part of the NQCC’s ‘SparQ’ initiative to support quantum readiness for the UK. It aims to accelerate scientific research, innovation, skills development and application discovery.
Users may request access to a range of state-of-the-art quantum computing platforms from leading technology providers. The programme seeks to remove access barriers and support multi-platform exploration and development.
Quantum computing platforms
The following quantum computing platforms are currently available through the Quantum Computing Access Programme:
Azure Quantum
IonQ
- Aria 1
- Aria 2
Rigetti
- Quantum Virtual Machine
- Ankaa-3
- Cepheus-1-36Q
Pasqal
- Emu-TN
- Fresnel1
AWS BRAKET
IonQ
- Aria 1
- Aria 2
- Forte 1
- Forte Enterprise 1
Rigetti
- Ankaa-3
IQM
- Garnet
- Emerald
QuEra
- Aquila
Simulators
- SV1
- DM1
- TN1
IBM QUANTUM
US West
- IBM Kingston Heron r2
- IBM Pittsburgh Heron r3
- IBM Marrakesh Heron R2
- IBM Fez Heron r2
- IBM Torino Heron r1
- IBM Brisbane Eagle r3
EU DE
- IBM Aachen Heron r2
- IBM Brussels Eagle r3
- IBM Strasbourg Eagle r3
D-Wave
QPUs
- Advantage2 System1.5
- Advantage System 4.1
- Advantage System 6.4
Hybrid solvers
- Hybrid binary quadratic version 2
- Hybrid constrained quadratic version 1
- Hybrid discrete quadratic model version 1
- Hybrid nonlinear version 1
Access for academic users is open now
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 November-31st January are now open. Click here to submit an application.
- Applications will close at 4pm on Friday 3rd October 2025.
Access associated with funded research and development calls
The NQCC seeks to promote use-case discovery through a range of funding calls under the SparQ initiative.
In addition to NQCC application engineering expertise, collaborative Proof of Concepts projects now offer quantum computing resources as part of the award package.
Please monitor Funding opportunities – NQCC for the latest relevant funding calls.
Access for a partner institution or programme
The NQCC may consider allocation of access to a partner council or UK institution to deliver a programme aligned to UK quantum readiness objectives.
Please click here to submit preliminary details of your proposed programme/activity.