The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has joined a new London Quantum Cluster, bringing together University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King’s College London with businesses, communities, government and investors.
The cluster will position the capital as a global hub for quantum technology and is being seeded with a £500,000 investment from the Mayor of London, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dr Cyrus Larijani, head of quantum programme at NPL, joins the cluster’s advisory board to provide both scientific expertise and insights from industry.
The initiative aims to support and nurture a thriving quantum ecosystem in London that will accelerate the commercialisation of quantum research and support startups and spinouts.
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and quantum is among the high-growth sectors identified in the London Growth Plan, published in February 2025. The plan outlines a vision to grow London’s economy by £107bn by 2035 and create 150,000 high-value jobs by 2028. Quantum will play a central role in driving productivity growth and innovation.
The NPL will support industry via the Measurement for Quantum (M4Q) programme, by removing barriers to innovation and allowing access to specialist science and engineering expertise at no charge. So far, M4Q has delivered 71 projects, with 63% of companies saying their commercial opportunity has greatly or moderately increased as a result of their project.
NPL is helping co-ordinate UK involvement in quantum standards. One key activity is strengthening engagement in international standards and benchmarking. NPL is also developing methodologies for the characterisation of quantum technologies.
“Our involvement in the London Quantum Cluster is a landmark moment for NPL,” said Cyrus Larijani, NPL’s head of quantum programme, “We see this as a wonderful opportunity to drive forward scientific discovery, economic growth and bring together city investment within the UK and international quantum industry. I look forward to also engaging with schools and educators to start to develop the next generation and future skills we will need to continue to build our thriving quantum ecosystem.”
