Glasgow based Quantcore has raised £2.5 million in seed funding as it moves to build a sovereign UK supply chain for quantum hardware, a capability increasingly viewed as critical for national security, scientific leadership, and long-term economic competitiveness. The funding comes as governments and research institutions across Europe accelerate investment in quantum technologies amid growing geopolitical and technological uncertainty.
Building domestic quantum capability
The seed round was co-led by PXN Ventures, Blackfinch Ventures, and Scottish Enterprise, with additional participation from Quantum Exponential and STAC. The backing reflects rising confidence in the strategic importance of local manufacturing capacity for quantum systems, rather than relying on overseas supply chains for core hardware components.
Founded in 2025, Quantcore is a spin out from the University of Glasgow, created by Dr Jack Brennan, Dr Valentino Seferai, Wridhdhisom Karar, and Professor Martin Weides. The founding team brings together expertise in superconducting materials, quantum device engineering, and experimental physics, developed through years of academic research.
Advanced hardware for quantum systems
Quantcore designs, manufactures, and tests superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors that form the foundation of quantum computers and advanced sensing platforms. These components are essential for enabling stable qubits, accurate signal control, and reliable system performance in quantum machines.
A key differentiator for the company is its focus on niobium based components. While many global competitors rely on aluminium, niobium can operate at higher temperatures and offers advantages in scalability and energy efficiency. By using niobium, Quantcore aims to help customers reduce cooling requirements and operating costs while improving performance and manufacturability at scale.
The company’s hardware is intended for use by UK national laboratories, research institutions, and industrial partners seeking domestically produced quantum components aligned with sovereign technology objectives.
Beyond quantum computing
While quantum computing is a central focus, Quantcore’s technology also supports advanced quantum sensing applications. Its superconducting sensors enable levels of precision beyond classical technologies, with potential uses in secure communications, medical imaging, and fundamental research.
Applications under exploration include neuroscience research, early disease detection, infrastructure monitoring, and experiments in fundamental physics. These use cases reflect the broader impact quantum hardware could have across healthcare, security, and scientific discovery.
Strategic importance and national context
Commenting on the funding, CEO and co-founder Dr Jack Brennan emphasised the growing strategic importance of domestic quantum manufacturing. He noted that quantum computing’s potential to break existing encryption standards makes control over hardware supply chains increasingly vital.
As classical computing approaches its physical limits, the UK must build sovereign capability in quantum technologies to remain competitive and secure. Relying on external suppliers for critical components could expose national infrastructure and research programmes to long-term risk.
The investment follows the UK government’s commitment of £670 million toward quantum computing as part of its ten year modern industrial strategy, underlining the alignment between public policy and private capital in this emerging sector.
Scaling talent and production
With the new funding, Quantcore plans to expand its team across engineering and commercial functions. The company will hire specialists in device design, fabrication, and cryogenic testing, alongside roles focused on partnerships and customer engagement.
By combining in house manufacturing, testing, and system level expertise, Quantcore aims to establish itself as a cornerstone supplier within the UK’s quantum ecosystem. As demand for secure, high performance quantum hardware grows, the company positions itself at the intersection of research excellence and industrial scale production.