U.K. Bets on Global Partnership to Power Quantum Technologies

In Focus

• The U.K. government partners with G7 countries to develop quantum technologies
• The international quantum partnership is called NMI-Q
• Global institutes will collaborate to develop quantum computer standards

The British government has partnered with G7 countries and Australia to fast-track quantum technologies development, UKTech News reported. The U.K. international quantum partnership, which is known as NMI-Q, will see global institutes that are focused on metrology collaborate to develop standards for quantum computers and centralize measurements.

When did the U.K. announce the International Quantum Deal?

The UK quantum tech international deal was signed on November 3, 2025, at the National Physical Laboratory. U.K.’s Science Minister, Lord Vallance, announced the partnership. “The UK is setting the pace for the development of engineering biology and quantum technologies,” Vallance said.

The minister also unveiled the Reference Biofoundry facility, which was funded by the U.K. government. The new facility is designed for use by researchers working in life sciences like gene therapies and vaccines.

“Our new, cutting-edge Reference Biofoundry and strong global partnerships will fast-track innovators’ ideas onto the market to boost our economy. It will bring in the private investment that their ideas will attract,” Vallance added.

Tech companies are rushing to produce quantum computers, with IBM eyeing an error-free quantum computer by 2029.

U.K. International Quantum Partnership

• The quantum partnership is known as NMI-Q
• The U.K. and the U.S. will co-chair the first term of the partnership
• Britain also launched the Reference Biofoundry facility

Britain’s Quest to Lead Global Innovation

The U.K. views the latest partnership as critical in supporting technological progress and cementing the country’s leadership in innovation.

“We need initiatives like these to drive excellence and international standards that ensure technological progress continues, from quantum medical scanners for hospitals to engineering biology giving us new ways of recycling. By investing in this vital infrastructure, the U.K. will continue to lead in innovation that we all benefit from,” Vallance added.

In October 2025, the G7 and Australia signed an agreement to create the NMI-Q with a view of promoting flexible and innovative approaches to setting quantum computer standards.

The U.S. and U.K. Will Chair First Phase of Partnership

Britain and the U.S. will co-chair the first term of the U.K.’s International Quantum Agreement. The U.K.’s global quantum collaboration comes months after U.S. tech giants committed to make multi-billion AI investments in the U.K.

The AI investment is part of the U.K.-U.S. tech prosperity deal, which established partnerships between the two countries in a range of areas, including quantum computing, AI, and civil nuclear energy. The U.K. has been working to position itself as a leading innovation hub.

Early last month, the British government unveiled a £1 million Regional Tech Programme designed to bolster tech startups and entrepreneurs outside London as part of the country’s strategy to enhance local innovation and economic development.