We’ve funded a range of projects to guide our roadmap for the future

Supercomputers and Superpositions: Making Quantum Accelerators Accessible Within HPC Frameworks

Quantum computing is attracting major attention for its ability to harness phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to deliver powerful speed-ups for specific classes of problems.

However, the emerging consensus is clear: quantum technologies will complement, not replace, classical computing. A credible route to real-world impact is a hybrid approach, where quantum processing units (QPUs) act as accelerators for well-defined bottlenecks in classical workflows.

This project supports that vision by focusing on practical quantum–HPC integration and on widening access for the communities best placed to benefit. On the technology side, we will map the current landscape for QPU/CPU interoperability, addressing key challenges such as latency, data movement, benchmarking, scheduling, and the role of simulators in scalable, reproducible deployment. In parallel, we will work with stakeholders to reduce barriers for new users by investigating how to embed federated quantum access into existing high-performance computing networks, services, and training.

By combining systems insight with community-led enablement, the project will help lay the groundwork for an actionable UK roadmap for quantum acceleration within mainstream HPC.