The creation of a ‘quantum internet’ is a step closer to reality following the launch of a new quantum hub in Edinburgh, with researchers ready to develop the novel technologies and industry standards needed to future-proof communications infrastructure in the UK and beyond. 

Led by Heriot-Watt University and supported by over £42 million of funding, the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub (IQN Hub) will bring together expertise from a host of UK institutions, including the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Strathclyde.

Also taking part in the project are two national laboratories – the National Physical Laboratory and STFC RAL Space – as well as more than forty industrial partners working in the secure quantum communications space.

This latest quantum hub will become part of a network of five quantum technology hubs, launched by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), supported by a £106 million investment.

“The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub is building on the UK’s enormous strengths in quantum research and combines our world-class academic base with leading industry partners from across the telecommunications, space, security and quantum technology sectors,” said Professor Gerald Buller, IQN Hub Leader.

Formally launched yesterday at an event in Edinburgh, attendees heard from researchers about advances in quantum memories, new network designs that integrate with today’s fibre-optic infrastructure, and satellite-enabled quantum communication – already being demonstrated through SPOQC, one of the UK’s flagship quantum space missions.

To support the growing quantum ecosystem, researchers are also working on essential technologies like quantum light sources, detectors and switches, while contributing to the development of future security standards that will help shape the industry as it scales.

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Commenting on the opening of the latest quantum hub, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle, said: “Supporting the deployment of technology that emerges from the Quantum Research Hubs will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy, all of which are key to our Plan for Change.

“By pooling expertise from across the UK to capitalise on quantum technology, we can transform sectors like healthcare and security to improve lives and create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.”

Heriot-Watt is at the forefront of quantum research, having only last year broken ground on a new Quantum Communications Hub Optical Ground Station, helped to lead a quantum technology initiative to combat the £27 billion lost annually to cyber-crime, and discovered a way to mitigate the daylight noise which limits quantum networks.

Not only that, but the university was also chosen as the sole Scottish stop on the QuanTour, hosting a quantum light source that is travelling across twelve countries in Europe to celebrate the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025.