NQCC SparQ Access Programme Supports Academic Research with Quantum Resources
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The National Quantum Computing Centre is now accepting applications for its SparQ Access programme, offering the UK academic community access to a diverse array of quantum computing platforms. This initiative, part of the broader ‘SparQ’ effort to bolster quantum readiness within the nation, aims to accelerate scientific research and innovation by removing barriers to utilizing advanced quantum resources. Researchers at UK universities can request access to systems including Azure Quantum, Rigetti Ankaa-2, and IBM Quantum’s suite of processors, with awards granted on a rolling three-month basis; applications for the period of 1st May, 31st July 2026 are now open, and the deadline to submit is 4pm on 27th March 2026. The programme also supports collaborative Proof of Concepts projects, integrating quantum computing resources directly into awarded funding packages. NQCC SparQ Access Programme Supports UK Quantum Readiness Over 20 distinct quantum computing platforms are now accessible to researchers and innovators across the United Kingdom through the National Quantum Computing Centre’s SparQ Access programme, a key component of the broader SparQ initiative designed to bolster national quantum readiness. Currently, the NQCC offers access to a diverse range of hardware, encompassing both superconducting and trapped ion technologies, as well as a suite of simulators like the H1-1 Emulator and IBM’s offerings, including the IBM Torino and IBM Marrakesh systems. Beyond direct access, the NQCC integrates quantum computing resources into awards from its funding calls, and is open to proposals for delivering programmes aligned with UK quantum readiness objectives from partner councils or institutions. Furthermore, collaborative Proof of Concepts projects are now being offered as part of the award package, providing additional support for use-case discovery, according to the NQCC; interested parties are encouraged to monitor Funding opportunities, NQCC for the latest calls. Applications for the period 1st May, 31st July 2026 is now open. Deadline to submit is 4pm on 27th March 2026.
Available Quantum Platforms: Azure, Rigetti, IonQ, and IBM Systems The programme provides users with the ability to request time on systems from prominent technology companies, including Azure Quantum, Rigetti, and IonQ, alongside offerings from IBM Quantum; specifically, the IBM Torino, Pittsburg, Marrakesh, Kingston, Fez, Brussels, Brisbane, and Aachen systems are available. Beyond these, the programme also supports access to Pasqal’s Emu-TN Fresnel1, and IQM’s Garnet and Emerald, expanding the diversity of hardware available to researchers. Furthermore, the SparQ Access Programme incorporates a range of simulators, such as the H1-1 Emulator and Hi Syntax Checker, alongside those offered through AWS BRAKET, and QuEra’s Aquila AQT IBEX Q1, providing avenues for algorithm development and testing independent of physical hardware. IonQ’s Aria 1 and Aria 2, alongside Rigetti’s Ankaa-2, Ankaa-3, and Cepheus-1-36Q, are also included within the available resources. Over 23 distinct quantum computing platforms and several simulators are currently available through the programme. Source: https://www.nqcc.ac.uk/sparq-access-programme/ Tags: Quantum News There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. Adrian is an expert on how technology can be transformative, especially frontier technologies. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that is considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing and Quantum tech space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: University of Toronto Centre Awards Bell Prize for Neutral Atom Research March 4, 2026 Tessara Therapeutics Leads Consortium to Develop Quantum Brain-on-Chip Platform March 4, 2026 Thales Validates Post-Quantum Cryptography on Live Networks, Enabling Ongoing Protection March 4, 2026