UK researchers and businesses are set to benefit from wider access to Horizon Europe funding calls for quantum and space research.

The news comes as the Minister for EU Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, welcomes the EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, following the recent engagement with European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen last week, setting up a platform for wider negotiations between the UK and EU going forward.

Access to Horizon Europe funding, and the opportunities for international collaboration that Horizon presents, will be an important boost to these two sectors which are at the cutting edge of new opportunities for economic growth.

The UK government assures that these technologies will be instrumental to the future of the economy: quantum computing alone is projected to deliver $5-10 billion of benefits globally over the next three to five years. Since 2015 the UK has attracted more private investment in space than any other country outside the US.

During his visit in the UK, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, alongside the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, will meet professors at Imperial College London who have benefited from Horizon funding for their projects.

“Thanks to this welcome news, the opportunities for British researchers and businesses working in quantum, space, and beyond are only set to grow,” UK science minister Lord Vallance said.

“They now have greater access to one of the world’s foremost vehicles for R&D funding, and an even bigger chance to build the international ties which we know are critical to advancing knowledge, tackling the world’s biggest challenges, and delivering the economic growth that is at the heart of this Government’s Plan for Change.

“I want innovators up and down the UK to seize the moment that stands before them. Horizon’s doors are open to you, and we have support available to help you. Now is the time to bid for funding, build consortia, and take your work to the next level.”

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The UK gained access to the vast majority (95%) of Horizon funding calls when it associated to the programme back in 2024, with some limited exceptions on some emerging technologies.

The breakthrough means that British experts working on space and quantum can now confidently bid for a share of the approximately £80bn that is available through Horizon overall.

They can also build consortia with research partners across Europe and beyond, and will enable them to complete access to all Horizon Europe quantum funding calls.

Horizon also offers a huge opportunity to businesses and researchers focusing on other cutting-edge technologies, like AI, telecoms, and high-performance computing, including through access to cutting-edge computing resources through EuroHPC. Recent UK-EU engagement has ensured that the UK retains open access to all calls in these areas.

The Horizon Europe programme is an innovation powerhouse –spending over €380 billion on R&D in 20231 – and fostering deep and high-quality links between the Europe’s brightest minds.

Given the importance of space and quantum to the UK economy and society – the space sector employs 52,000 people and generates £18.9bn a year – greater access to Horizon is a funding win for the UK.

The UK and EU have a strong shared commitment to developing assured and independent European access to space: work which forms a key part of the UK’s own ambitions for space launch. With plans for the first launches from SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands later this year, the UK is a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s space ambitions and it is encouraging that British researchers will be able to access calls that help to further Europe’s ambition.