Empowering UK industry with quantum computing 

Quantum computing is rapidly gaining attention from governments and industry leaders globally. In this blog, we explore what the Hartree Centre contributes to this landscape and how we support UK industry with the adoption of emerging technologies like quantum computing.

Unlocking the potential of quantum computing  

Quantum computing is advancing rapidly yet transitioning from technical milestones to tangible economic and societal benefits requires more than just improved hardware. It needs clear use cases, a skilled workforce, and the infrastructure to integrate quantum technologies into existing systems.  

We recognise these needs and keep them at the forefront when working with our collaborators. By engaging with industry directly, we gain deep insight into current challenges and emerging opportunities. This approach allows us to develop tailored quantum computing solutions that address practical business needs while identifying and mitigating risks associated with early adoption.  

We aim to ensure that the UK not only keeps pace with quantum innovation, but actively leads in the responsible and impactful use of this transformative technology, aligned with the UK’s national quantum strategy. We do this by bridging the gap between theory and practical application, empowering UK organisations to establish competitive advantages, drive innovation and foster growth in order to create real-world impact. 

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Strategic partnerships driving impact

Our strong partnership with IBM through the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI) supports businesses to acquire the skills, knowledge and technical capability required to adopt advanced digital technologies, such as quantum computing. We have also been recognised for our cutting edge contributions in this partnership, with the establishment of the Hartree Centre as an IBM Quantum Innovation Centre. This makes us one of a select group of organisations globally acknowledged for advancing the frontiers of quantum technology. 

It has also led to other major contributions to the quantum ecosystem, such as our co-ownership of IBM’s Qiskit Machine Learning library, part of the world’s most popular software development kit for quantum computing – Qiskit. This involvement places us at the heart of the community shaping how quantum software evolves. 

We additionally actively engage in the global Quantum Optimisation Group, collaborating with over 20 industry and academic partners to identify optimisation problems in industry, determine how quantum computing could be used to create solutions and publish our findings.  

Our partnerships also extend to leading quantum organisations such as PsiQuantum and Quantinuum. With PsiQuantum, we are collaborating on the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing applications, including algorithms to address real-world industrial challenges such as materials innovation. Our partnership with Quantinuum provides UK industry and research organisations with access to high performance quantum systems, enabling exploration of quantum advantage in areas like quantum chemistry, computational biology, AI, and cybersecurity. Additionally, through our collaboration with IBM and Cleveland Clinic, we are applying quantum computing to healthcare, using advanced algorithms to analyse complex biological data and identify biomarkers that could transform personalised medicine. Together, these partnerships position us at the forefront of quantum innovation, supporting national capability and global impact.  

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Reducing the risk of adoption  

Adopting quantum technology isn’t solely a technical challenge, it’s a strategic one. Uncertainties around timelines, integration complexity, and return on investment can make it difficult for organisations to engage with confidence.  

That’s why we’ve created the space to de-risk exploration. Through HNCDI, we help organisations explore quantum computing without the risks that typically might come with adopting new technologies. We analyse individual business and sector-wide challenges, assess suitability for quantum technologies, and demonstrate potential feasibility.   

We support organisations in developing the confidence and skills to engage effectively. This includes industry-focused training programmes, access to our technical expertise, and direct project collaboration. You don’t need a quantum research team to start exploring. We can help you transition from curiosity to application.  

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Our approach

We take a practical, applied approach to quantum computing. While others talk about potential, we focus on impact. That starts with clearly defined industry challenges and leads to developing and testing solutions that integrate directly into existing computational workflows. 

A key area of focus for us is hybrid quantum-classical computing. This approach leverages quantum processors for specific components of complex problems while integrating seamlessly with classical high performance computing (HPC) systems. By combining the strengths of both, hybrid systems pave the way for early, commercially relevant quantum applications in fields such as optimisation, chemistry, and machine learning.  

Collaboration is allowing us to develop hybrid quantum-classical computing further. We are currently working with IBM and other partners worldwide to design a series of plugins that will enable quantum computing vendors to interface their quantum computers to any high performance computing infrastructure. These plugins aim to simplify integration, reduce technical barriers, and ensure that quantum fits naturally within broader computational environments.  

This approach goes beyond theory; it’s about building solutions that are as practical as they are innovative, ensuring businesses can explore quantum computing in a way that is strategically relevant, and impactful.  

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Let’s talk  

Whether you’re actively exploring quantum computing or uncertain where to start, the Hartree Centre offers a pathway to strategic engagement without the associated risks. From training and proof-of-concept development to strategic partnerships, our goal is to make quantum computing accessible and impactful for UK industry, now and in the future.  

To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, contact us or visit the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation page.