Digital Catapult and NQCC Select 11 Organisations for Quantum Technology Access Programme

Insider BriefPress release – Digital Catapult has today welcomed eleven leading organisations to the third cohort of its Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP), delivered in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre’s (NQCC) SparQ programme. Designed to accelerate the practical application of quantum innovation in industry, the cohort includes NatWest, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Health Innovation North West Coast, part of the UK’s Health Innovation Network. For the first time, the programme will apply quantum innovation to financial services and banking operations. NatWest will explore how quantum solutions could help detect fraud and illicit activity across large transaction networks, while CTA Fintech Solutions will examine cross-system optimisation of legacy-to-cloud transaction flows to improve cost efficiency and strengthen resilience in highly regulated environments. This focus on financial services reflects growing demand for quantum innovation and its role in building the UK’s sovereign capability while identifying new practical use cases for the technology. One novel use case set to be explored through the programme will apply quantum computing to improve diagnostic modelling, treatment pathways and outcome forecasting for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disorder considered a medical emergency. Through its participation, Health Innovation North West Coast aims to improve health and care outcomes for patients with TTP, supported by innovation and technology consultancy and access to ORCA Computing’s PT-2 quantum computer. The programme will also trial and validate use cases across defence and security, supply chains and logistics, and transport and infrastructure, demonstrating the potential of quantum innovation across UK industry and its role in supporting the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The latest cohort will demonstrate how quantum as a frontier technology can be applied to all the high-growth sectors outlined in the Industrial Strategy, underpinning economic growth. QTAP provides UK-based companies with a guided pathway to understand quantum technologies, assess their sector-specific value, and move from concept to practical application through expert guidance and experimentation. “Quantum Computing is no longer a theoretical concept but a technology that is demonstrating its potential value through a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The UK’s sovereign quantum capability is world-leading, but to maintain this, it’s critical to demonstrate real-world business use cases. This is why our work here in partnership with NQCC is vital, demystifying quantum innovation, and demonstrating how it can drive commercial success for those that embrace it. Quantum adoption cannot be done in isolation, but in bridging the gap between quantum experts, experienced technologists, and industry leaders. As such, I’m excited to see the novel solutions trialled and validated by our new cohort on a real quantum computer deployed at NQCC, which will translate deep tech into a commercial reality.” said, Paul Ceely Director of Technology Strategy at Digital Catapult.“Through SparQ, we’re helping organisations move towards practical exploration of quantum computing. This cohort demonstrates growing confidence in quantum computing across UK industry, building the expertise, evidence and partnerships needed to accelerate responsible adoption and strengthen the UK’s quantum capabilities.” said, Dr Simon PlantDeputy Director for Innovation at NQCC.Previous participants include Vodafone, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the Port of Dover and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Now in its third year, the programme’s latest phase will combine Digital Catapult’s expertise with the NQCC’s expanding national capability in quantum computing and testbeds. The cohort will explore two high-impact quantum use case streams: combinatorial optimisation, addressing challenges such as logistics, resource allocation and scheduling; and quantum machine learning, focused on supporting next-generation data analysis and pattern discovery. The programme will run until February 2027, supporting new commercial and collaborative partnerships that will help advance quantum innovation across UK industry. This includes continued collaboration with NQCC and technical partner ORCA Computing, enabling deep tech companies to scale across the UK economy. To learn more about the cohort’s progress and our work with NQCC and ORCA Computing, sign up to the newsletter here. TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLEDigital Catapult is a UK-based non-profit innovation agency specializing in advanced digital technologies, including quantum computing. It accelerates the adoption and practical application of deep tech by providing consultancy, accelerator programmes, collaborative R&D, and testbed facilities. Digital Catapult works with startups, industry, government, and academia to drive the development and deployment of quantum technologies such as quantum sensors, clocks, and security solutions. Its initiatives help bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, supporting UK businesses in building quantum capabilities and fostering sustainable economic growth.Vodafone Group specializes in telecommunications and digital connectivity services, with a growing focus on quantum communications and quantum-safe security within global network infrastructure. It develops and trials quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography solutions to address future risks posed by quantum computing to classical encryption. The company emphasizes large-scale, carrier-grade deployment and standards-based interoperability, working with technology partners, research institutions, and government programs to deliver secure communications for enterprise and critical infrastructure users.Airbus, founded in 1970, is a global European aerospace corporation and one of the world's largest manufacturer of airliners. Headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, with major operations in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, the company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and supporting commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology.More in Research