UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Patrick Vallance predicted a tie-up with Google Quantum would help the nation maintain a leading position in developing next-generation computing and advance a broader collaboration with the US government.

Vallance said the UK is Europe’s leading authority on quantum R&D as the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and Google Quantum AI detailed a collaboration to provide researchers with more resources.

The agreement involves providing researchers with access to Google’s Willow quantum processor, silicon central to the search giant’s ambitions in the sector.

Vallance said access would keep UK researchers “at the cutting edge, bolstering their efforts to put quantum to work in the design of new medicines, the shift to clean affordable energy and more”.

The NQCC explained the collaboration builds on the UK/US Prosperity Deal signed by the nations’ leaders in September, along with an arrangement between Google Cloud and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

NQCC director Dr. Michael Cuthbert said its work with Google Quantum AI would contribute to “cutting-edge science that will deepen understanding, accelerate discovery and unlock new applications for quantum computing”.

“By combining the UK’s research excellence with Google’s world-leading quantum hardware and expertise, we are creating a powerful platform for scientific innovation.”

The pair are seeking research proposals “for high-impact, innovative projects” and the NQCC plans to offer successful applicants grants to cover staff costs.