CFAs: NQS Mission 2 – Components, Systems and Architectures Programme (United Kingdom)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering a funding opportunity, NQS Mission 2: Components, systems and architectures, delivered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It supports ambitious research to advance the components, systems, and architectures required for future quantum networking and communications, strengthening the UK’s leadership in quantum connectivity. The closing date is 24 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding opportunity name: NQS Mission 2: Components, systems and architectures

- Funder(s): Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

- Opportunity type: Grant

- Total fund: £10,750,000

- Maximum award (per project): £2,560,000 (full economic cost, FEC, up to £2.56 million)

- Funding contribution rate: EPSRC will fund 80% of the FEC

- Eligible applicants: UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding

- Eligible location(s): United Kingdom (UK), via eligible UK research organisations

- Publication date: 17 September 2026

- Opening date: 29 September 2026 9:00am UK time

- Closing date: 24 November 2026 4:00pm UK time

- Project duration: No more than 33 months

- Latest start date: 31 May 2027

- Opportunity status (per source): Open

About the Opportunity

This opportunity is delivered as part of the UKRI Quantum Technologies Priority Programme and supports the aims of UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2 (QM2). Mission 2 seeks to establish the UK as a world leader in quantum networking and communications by developing secure, scalable quantum networks and laying foundations for a future quantum internet. Successful projects will undertake ambitious research addressing key scientific and technological challenges underpinning future quantum networks and communications systems. Applicants are expected to show how proposed research will contribute to quantum networking capabilities, strengthen the UK research and innovation ecosystem, and support progress toward Mission 2’s long-term objectives. Funding and Benefits

- Project FEC limit: The full economic cost (FEC) of the application can be up to £2.56 million.

- EPSRC contribution: EPSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

- Maximum award (as stated): £2,560,000 (FEC basis, per source).

Note: The source indicates additional requirements on reporting, monitoring, and evaluation, and mentions possible grant extensions; further details are provided in the opportunity’s “Additional information” section (Not specified in the provided excerpt). Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible applicant type: Organisations with standard eligibility under UKRI rules.

- UKRI individual eligibility rules apply: Applicants must follow UKRI rules; see EPSRC’s eligibility page for full details (Not specified in the provided excerpt).

- Required organisational base: You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.

Project leadership and applications - You may be named as project lead in no more than one application. - There is no limit to the number of applications you may be named as project co-lead. International researchers (Norway-specific rule) The UKRI-RCN money follows cooperation agreement does not apply to this opportunity. As a result: - Applications cannot include a Norway-based project co-lead (international). - Applicants should include all international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners. Resubmissions - The opportunity states it will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects submitted to UKRI or any other funder. - UKRI’s resubmissions policy applies (link and specifics not included in the provided excerpt). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas This funding opportunity supports research that advances the components, systems, and architectures required for future quantum networking and communications systems. Key research challenges The source lists the following key research challenges: - Quantum networking components, systems and architectures - Integration of quantum and classical infrastructure - Enabling technologies required to support future deployment and adoption Research areas welcomed Research in (non-exhaustive) welcomed areas includes: - Quantum network nodes, routing and switching (including quantum routers, switches, multiplexers, and architectures for distributing and managing quantum information) - Quantum memories and repeaters (technologies that extend communication distances and support scalable entanglement distribution) - Photonic sources, detectors and entanglement generation technologies (foundational components for future network deployment) - Systems integration and classical-quantum co-design (synchronisation, control, interoperability, and integration with existing communications infrastructure) - End-to-end network architectures and distributed quantum capability (networking approaches for quantum devices supporting future distributed quantum computing applications) - Verification, benchmarking, security and resilience (methods to characterise, validate and assure quantum networking systems) - Application-driven network development and enabling theory (linking technology development to future use cases and deployment scenarios) End-user involvement - Projects are expected to include at least one relevant project partner, unless the applicant can provide a clear justification for why this is not appropriate. - The source expects named partners to secure meaningful commitment with substantive contributions (which may include in-kind contributions such as expertise, use cases, facilities, infrastructure, testbeds, datasets, strategic guidance, and more). Engagement with the wider ecosystem - Engagement with specific organisations is not mandatory, but applicants are encouraged to explain how they will engage the UK quantum and wider research ecosystem to str