VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Innovation and Technology: Research

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 7390

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support research into emerging technologies such as quantum computing.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

We have committed up to £2 billion to support the development of the UK's quantum sector. This includes £1 billion committed over the next four years to support our leading companies and researchers, with up to a further £1 billion to procure large-scale UK-built quantum computers by the early 2030s.

Applied and foundational research will continue to be vital to the success of the quantum sector to achieve our ambitious quantum missions. We are investing across the ecosystem over the Spending Review period and beyond, including:

  • over £175 million to support academic-led research, research skills, and quantum programmes in our national labs;
  • over £160 million for collaborative research and development;
  • £90 million for scale-up infrastructure, to support both research and manufacturing; and
  • providing academics with access to quantum computing platforms through the National Quantum Computing Centre.

Beyond quantum specific funding, the UKRI funding model protects £14.5 billion of dedicated funding for curiosity-driven research over the Spending Review period, some pf which could be used to fund quantum research.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim