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The UK Quantum Hackathon and the NQCC’s SparQ programme

The UK Quantum Hackathon, now entering its fifth consecutive year, is an important initiative within the National Quantum Computing Centre’s (NQCC) SparQ programme, the NQCC’s flagship user-engagement programme. The 2026 Hackathon will take place at the University of Warwick from 18–20 August, bringing together students, early-career researchers and industry mentors to work collaboratively on real-world […]

6 min read time
Fri 14 Aug 2026

Quantum Computing in Healthcare and Pharma – Signals from the Sector 

A little over a year ago, in March 2025, the NQCC published its inaugural Insights Paper, The Convergence of Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals with Quantum Computing. It drew together the discussions from our first Quantum Computing in Healthcare and Pharma (QCHP) workshop at the Royal Society, alongside sectoral consultations, expert interviews, and a global literature review, to map the […]

7 min read time
Tue 28 Jul 2026

From concept to lab: A modular laser system for AMO research

The latest article from the NQCC’s Trapped-Ions team describes how their laser system design shifts the burden of laser light delivery from a time-consuming task towards the procurement of a stand-alone product. Lasers in atomic physics Atom-based systems are among the most promising approaches to scalable quantum computing. The control and delivery of laser light […]

3 min read time
Thu 26 Mar 2026

The UK has thrown down the gauntlet on quantum

With the announcement of £2 billion quantum innovation investment earlier this week, the UK government is laying down the gauntlet to the quantum computing industry to accelerate research and development, to bring forward the potential of large-scale quantum computing, driving end-user adoption for early societal benefit and UK economic advantage. Specifically: “This first-of-its-kind procurement programme, […]

7 min read time
Fri 20 Mar 2026

NQCC’s first master’s placement: Building skills for the quantum workforce

The NQCC hosts a range of early career placements aimed at building the next generation of quantum talent by offering hands-on experience and insight into the field of quantum computing, supporting their professional growth and interest in the sector. Among these initiatives, the NQCC launched its first master’s-level placement in 2025, marking an exciting expansion […]

7 min read time
Wed 04 Mar 2026

Exploring sustainability at the NQCC

2025 marks the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), celebrating 100 years of quantum mechanics. IYQ makes as one of its central recommendations the application of quantum science and technology for sustainable development. At the NQCC, we’re committed to embedding and championing sustainability throughout our work. As we approach the IYQ […]

9 min read time
Thu 22 Jan 2026