We’re excited to announce that King’s College London (King’s) has been awarded access to Google Quantum AI’s Willow processor through a joint initiative between the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and Google Quantum AI.
Launched in December 2025, the initiative was designed to support UK-led research projects exploring applications that could help accelerate progress toward useful quantum advantage.
The selected project, led by Dr Eleanor Crane at King’s and Dr Alexander Schuckert at ENS Paris, will investigate quantum analogues of neurons using the Willow processor. Working alongside Dr Chris Timmermann, the team aims to explore how quantum computing techniques could contribute to understanding complex quantum dynamics inspired by neural systems – opening exciting new possibilities at the intersection of quantum computing and computational neuroscience.
The research team will collaborate closely with experts from Google Quantum AI, while the NQCC will provide technical expertise and support throughout the project to help maximise scientific impact.
Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director at the NQCC, said: “This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to fostering world-class quantum research and enabling researchers to access advanced quantum computing capabilities. We are excited to support King’s College London in exploring innovative applications that could help shape the future of quantum computing.”
Congratulations to the King’s team on this exciting achievement – we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this pioneering collaboration.
Read the press release here: https://www.nqcc.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Press-release_NQCC-and-Google-Quantum-AI-award-Kings-College-London_28May2026_Final.pdf
Related news:
BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7pwezyze1o