London Unis Form Cluster to Boost Quantum Tech
Imperial is helping drive an initiative to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum technologies in London.
The London Quantum Technology Cluster aims to position the capital as a global hub for quantum by uniting leading universities with businesses, communities, government and investors. Imperial is working with partner universities UCL and King’s College London on the initiative.
The cluster is being seeded with an investment from the Mayor of London through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the city’s long-term economic growth strategy. It aims to create a thriving ecosystem that will accelerate the commercialisation of quantum research, support startups, and deliver tangible benefits for Londoners.
The initial phase will lay the foundations for a dedicated incubator that will support the translation of quantum research, and new widely accessible infrastructure to seed, grow, and scale quantum companies.
Professor Mary Ryan, Imperial Vice Provost (Research and Enterprise), said: “This investment will not only accelerate the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge quantum technologies but also create vital education and training opportunities.”
“The cluster will help develop the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to drive this frontier technology forward. It will also support quantum startups and scale-ups by providing incubation, access to research expertise, and connections to private investment – creating an ecosystem that enables sustainable growth and meaningful societal impact.”
Imperial’s role in the partnership builds on a track record of quantum technology research and innovation, industry engagement and skills development through its Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology, which has also delivered first-of-its-kind quantum education for investors and policymakers.
The cluster will help give quantum technology innovation an even greater presence in WestTech London, an innovation ecosystem anchored by Imperial that will become a global powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship, creating jobs, attracting investment and cementing the UK’s position as a leader in science and technology.
The cluster will also help the link the WestTech London ecosystem with other districts such as the Knowledge Quarter and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Innovation District.
The cluster builds on the success of the London Centre for Nanotechnology, and will expand its reach by connecting with national assets like the National Physical Laboratory and international partners across Europe. The initiative aligns with the UK government’s broader commitment to developing national quantum capabilities. Imperial is active in four of the five national quantum hubs around the UK and has links with quantum initiatives worldwide.
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and quantum was one of the high-growth sectors identified in the recently published London Growth Plan. The plan outlines a vision to create 150,000 good jobs by 2028 and grow London’s economy by £107 billion by 2035, with quantum playing a central role in driving productivity, growth and innovation.
Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, said: ”Supporting the development of London’s first Quantum Technology Cluster is an exciting moment as it brings together London’s leading universities, businesses, communities and investors to lay the groundwork for the quantum technology sector to thrive in London, and enabling the capital to be at the forefront of frontier innovation.
“As outlined in the London Growth Plan, this is one of our priority high-growth sectors and I’m delighted to announce that the Mayor of London is investing £500,000 to kick-start the development of the Quantum Technology Cluster. We will be partnering with UCL, Imperial and Kings to develop the cluster, working to ensure the capital supports cutting-edge innovation that will help build a thriving, fairer, more prosperous London for all.”
A panel event on 14 May, moderated by Jason Palmer of The Economist, brought together Professor Mary Ryan (Vice-Provost Research and Enterprise, Imperial College London), Dr Will Lovegrove (Director of Strategic Innovation Partnerships, UCL), and Tom Foulkes (Director of Research Strategy and Performance, King’s College London) to discuss how targeted investment in quantum can unlock long-term value for communities.
The cluster’s vision is to make London the best place in the world to start and grow a quantum business, and to serve as a catalyst for regional and international collaboration. By fostering smart specialisation and global supply chains, the cluster will amplify the UK’s leadership in quantum and support the growth of similar ecosystems across the country and continent.
Photos from top: Tom Foulkes (King’s), Professor Mary Ryan (Imperial), Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, Dr Will Lovegrove (UCL) and moderator Jason Palmer (The Economist) at the 2025 Commercialising Quantum Global Conference in London; A PhD researcher in the Centre for Cold Matter, which develops quantum technologies (Photo: Thomas Angus).
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264137/new-cluster-from-london-unis-boost