Quantum Motion Unveils Silicon Based Quantum Computer at National Quantum Computing Centre Oxfordshire

A British technological breakthrough has placed the United Kingdom at the forefront of quantum computing innovation. Quantum Motion, a London-based start-up established by academics from Oxford and University College London, has created the world’s first quantum computer manufactured with standard silicon chip technology commonly seen in modern laptops and mobile phones.

This pioneering machine has been powered on at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxfordshire and marks a significant turning point for the commercial viability of quantum systems. The new device operates within three conventional server racks, permitting seamless deployment in standard data centres, in stark contrast to the larger specialist equipment often required by its predecessors.

Chief Executive James Palles-Dimmock described the unveiling as “quantum computing’s silicon moment”. Drawing parallels with the shift that made classical computers mass-producible, this innovation is expected to accelerate the transition of quantum computing from research environments to real world application. Lord Vallance of Balham, science minister, hailed the development as a key milestone towards commercial quantum technology.

Quantum Motion has attracted over £62 million in funding since its founding in 2017, employing more than a hundred staff with teams in London, the United States, Australia and Spain. Its efforts in applying silicon-based technology to quantum computing not only promise cost-effective and scalable production but also broaden the pathway towards practical quantum usage on an industrial scale.

The new system will undergo a period of rigorous testing at the NQCC, where researchers aim to harness its computational abilities for challenges such as new drug discovery and optimising energy grids. Employing qubits for data processing – rather than binary bits – enables quantum computers to tackle problems deemed too complex for even today’s supercomputers.

By deploying this machine at the government’s quantum testbed at the Harwell Science Campus, the UK reinforces its bid to lead the global race to harness quantum technologies. The platform provided by the NQCC allows businesses and researchers alike to experiment, positioning Britain as a key player in the race towards real world quantum advantage.