New applied quantum initiative to advance research translation at the University of Cambridge

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Published on: 3 February 2026

Quantum technology research at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory will benefit from a new collaboration with FormationQ, an independent platform for quantum adoption and application, to help speed translation of the University’s frontier research into real-world applications.

“Progress in quantum technologies requires strong collaborations and a constant dialogue between industry and academic research."
Professor Mete Atatüre, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory.

A generous gift of £1,675,000 from FormationQ, which includes the provision of quantum computing resources using IonQ’s world-leading technology, will enable the launch of the Quantum Technologies Accelerated Alignment Initiative. Matching the Cavendish’s scientific leadership with FormationQ’s institutional and operational capabilities, the two-year applied program is designed to help turn quantum research into practical solutions while supporting coordination across the quantum ecosystem.


Quantum technologies are increasingly recognised as critical to science, security, medicine and global systems. At the Cavendish Laboratory, frontier quantum research comprises no fewer than four of their ten key themes, covering quantum information and control, applied quantum physics and devices, fundamental physics of quantum matter and synthetic quantum systems.


Yet despite rapid advances in research, adoption can be constrained by gaps in institutional readiness, workforce capability and coordination across the broader quantum landscape. FormationQ is designed to address these issues by building and operating the institutional pathways and collaborative structures required for sustained quantum adoption.

 

"This initiative, enabled by IonQ’s advanced quantum systems, is a fantastic step in this direction and will help turn our quantum research into practical solutions by bringing the community together.”
Professor Mete Atatüre, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory.

The Quantum Technologies Accelerated Alignment Initiative at Cambridge will focus on three areas:

  • improving how quantum systems can be used reliably outside the lab
  • building and testing connected quantum technologies for communications and sensing
  • preparing industry and society to work with emerging quantum capabilities.

Each area will be led by an expert from the Cavendish, supported by a team of researchers, combining clearly defined challenges with open, collaborative project development to ensure research efforts are aligned with real-world needs.

“Quantum’s bottleneck isn’t science—it’s the ecosystem. Adoption demands scalable talent pipelines, interoperable institutions, and shared stewardship for long-term deployment. By uniting the Cavendish Laboratory’s scientific excellence, FormationQ’s operational backbone, and IonQ’s industry-leading quantum technologies, we’re finally constructing the bridges that turn today’s quantum discoveries into tomorrow’s practical revolutions.”
Nada Hosking, Founder and CEO of FormationQ.

Contact

To find out more, or to discuss ways to support physical sciences at Cambridge, please contact:

Senior Head of Development, Physical Sciences