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EPSRC Centre for Quantum Commercialisation Skills

EPSRC Centre for Quantum Commercialisation Skills

Supports United Kingdom quantum teams through commercialization coaching that improves commercialization readiness and skills.

OpenEngineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilUnited KingdomDeep-tech · core fit

EPSRC is funding one national Centre for Quantum Commercialisation Skills as part of the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) Phase 3 (2024–2029). The centre is funded on a non-FEC basis, covering 100% of eligible costs up to £11.3 million over four years, with a fixed start date of 1 December 2026. Estates and indirect costs are not funded; student stipends, fees, and direct enterprise subsidies are explicitly excluded. Only one award will be made nationally; only one application per research organisation is permitted and no individual may lead more than one application. The programme operates on a 'no subsidy' basis under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and is open exclusively to UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding — businesses cannot apply directly.

The centre must deliver four categories of activity: people exchange programmes between academia and industry, an early-stage research accelerator, an opportunity discovery fund, and tailored training covering commercialisation, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and responsible innovation. These requirements respond directly to the UK Quantum Skills Taskforce Report, which identified a skills gap between quantum research output and the capacity to translate discoveries into commercial products and ventures. The centre is explicitly distinct from the five Quantum Technology Hubs funded under NQTP Phase 3, which focus on research — this award targets skills and translation.

Applications close 7 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time via the UKRI Funding Service (not Je-S). Shortlisted applications will proceed to panel review and interviews in October 2026. The application requires a Vision and Approach document of up to eight A4 pages plus a governance plan and stakeholder engagement narrative of 500 words each. Winning institutions must demonstrate existing relationships across the UK quantum ecosystem and a credible plan for sustaining commercialisation activity at national scale.

Establishment of a single national centre developing commercialisation skills among UK quantum researchers, encompassing training programmes, industry placements, early-stage research acceleration, and innovation support.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.7 Jul 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£11.3M

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.ukri.org