UKRI Integration of AI/HPC with Quantum Computing (UK)

Deadline: 03-Nov-2026

UK-based research organisations are invited to submit applications for funding to address critical challenges in integrating quantum computing with artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) workflows. The funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the United Kingdom’s capability to develop accessible, UK-based quantum computers that can provide benefits beyond classical supercomputers across important sectors of the economy. Projects funded through the call will focus on identifying and overcoming technical and operational bottlenecks that currently limit the practical integration of quantum computing into classical computational environments.

About the Quantum Computing Integration Funding

The programme supports research organisations working to advance the practical integration of quantum computing with existing computational technologies. A key objective is to address the challenges involved in incorporating quantum computing into classical computational workflows, particularly workflows involving AI and HPC. Rather than treating quantum computing as a standalone technology, the programme focuses on how quantum systems can work alongside established computational infrastructure to deliver useful capabilities in real-world environments. Focus on Quantum Computing, AI and HPC The funding call specifically targets the integration of quantum computing with:

- Artificial intelligence: Addressing challenges involved in incorporating quantum computing into AI-related computational workflows.

- High-performance computing: Exploring how quantum systems can be integrated with HPC environments and workflows.

- Classical computing: Understanding and overcoming bottlenecks between quantum and classical computational systems.

- Real-world computational environments: Addressing practical technical and operational challenges that affect quantum technology deployment.

The overall aim is to help create computational workflows in which quantum technologies can deliver practical benefits alongside classical systems. Addressing Critical Bottlenecks A central objective of the programme is to identify and overcome bottlenecks that prevent effective quantum-classical integration. These bottlenecks may be technical or operational and can affect the implementation of quantum computing within existing workflows. Projects are therefore expected to develop knowledge and approaches that help overcome barriers to the practical deployment of quantum technologies. Building UK Quantum Computing Capability The programme contributes to the United Kingdom’s broader capability in quantum computing by supporting research into accessible, UK-based quantum systems. The intended capability is focused on developing quantum computers that can provide benefits beyond what can be achieved using classical supercomputers in key areas of the economy. Strengthening the connection between quantum computers and established AI and HPC infrastructure is an important part of achieving this objective. Project Expectations Projects funded under the call are expected to advance the integration of quantum computing with AI and HPC. Successful projects should address technical and operational challenges that currently limit the practical use of quantum computing in real-world computational environments. The emphasis is therefore on research that can contribute to overcoming implementation barriers and improving the integration of quantum systems into existing computational workflows. Funding Information The call has a substantial overall funding allocation.

Key funding details include:

- Total fund available: £17,000,000.

- Maximum full economic cost per project: £3,750,000.

- EPSRC contribution: 80% of the full economic cost.

- Maximum project duration: Three years.

- Required project start date: 1 June 2027.

Applicants should consider both the total project cost and the EPSRC contribution when developing their proposed budgets. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The opportunity is therefore specifically intended for eligible UK research organisations with the appropriate research environment and institutional eligibility to receive EPSRC support. Applicants should confirm their organisation’s EPSRC eligibility before preparing and submitting an application. How to Develop a Strong Proposal Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly demonstrating how the proposed research addresses the practical challenges of integrating quantum computing into AI and HPC workflows.

Important preparation steps include:

- Identify a critical bottleneck: Clearly define the technical or operational challenge limiting quantum-classical integration.

- Focus on AI or HPC workflows: Demonstrate how the research relates to the integration of quantum computing with artificial intelligence or high-performance computing.

- Explain the current limitation: Show why the identified bottleneck prevents or restricts practical deployment.

- Present a clear research approach: Explain how the project will investigate or overcome the identified challenge.

- Emphasize practical integration: Connect the research to real-world computational environments.

- Demonstrate potential benefits: Explain how overcoming the bottleneck could help quantum computers deliver useful capabilities beyond classical supercomputers.

- Develop a realistic budget: The full economic cost can be up to £3.75 million per project, with EPSRC providing 80%.

- Plan for the required timeline: Projects can last up to three years and must start on 1 June 2027.

- Confirm institutional eligibility: Ensure the applicant is based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.

Why Apply for the Funding? The funding opportunity provides UK research organisations with the opportunity to contribute to the development of practical quantum computing capabilities. Potential benefits incl