The SparQ Access programme
The NQCC SparQ 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 SparQ Access Programme:
Azure Quantum
Pasqal
- Emu-TN
- Fresnel1
Rigetti
- Ankaa-3
- Quantum Virtual Machine
- Cepheus-1-36Q
AWS BRAKET
IonQ
- Forte Enterprise
- Forte 1
- Aria 1
Rigetti
- Ankaa-3
IQM
- Garnet
- Emerald
QuEra
- Aquila
AQT
- IBEX Q1
Simulators
- SV1
- DM1
- TN1
IBM QUANTUM
US East
- IBM Aachen
- IBM Brisbane
- IBM Brussels
- IBM Fez
- IBM Kingston
- IBM Kyiv
- IBM Marrakesh
- IBM Nazca
- IBM Sherbrooke
- IBM Strasbourg
- IBM Torino
EU DE
- IBM Aachen
D-Wave
US West
- Advantage2 System1.8
- Advantage System 4.1
- Advantage System 6.4
US East
- Advantage2 System 4.1
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
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 access for the Q1 2026 period (2nd February-30th April 2026) is now open until the 5th of January 2025. Click here to submit a proposal
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.