PsiQuantum in the United Kingdom

PsiQuantum was founded in 2016 by a team of four professors and PhDs from the University of Bristol and Imperial College. Today, our UK roots remain a vital part of our global footprint and our mission to build the world’s first utility-scale quantum computers  — combining the strengths of our photonic architecture with world-class infrastructure, talent, and partnerships. 

Our team in Daresbury is focused on testing our silicon photonic chips in cryogenic cabinets, as well as testing advanced technologies that could support future systems. Other PsiQuantum teammates across the United Kingdom are focused on algorithm and application development alongside partners like the Hartree Centre.  

R&D in Daresbury

Our company’s UK operations are anchored at Sci-Tech Daresbury, a science and tech campus jointly managed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Supported in part by £9 million in funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, this site provides a powerful platform for innovation, testing, and talent development. The campus is also home to one of Europe’s largest cryoplants and a UK supercomputing centre. 

  • Driving progress toward utility-scale quantum computing: At our Daresbury facility, PsiQuantum is putting our next-generation systems and chipsets to the test, helping develop the underlying technologies required for fault-tolerant, million-qubit systems. 

  • Conducting cryogenic R&D: The Daresbury facility is home to much of PsiQuantum’s cryogenic systems research, where we are developing next-generation modules capable of delivering 100W of cooling power at 2-4 K. 

  • Accessing regional resources: Our presence at Sci-Tech Daresbury provides access to one of Europe’s largest cryoplants and world-class engineering workshops, reinforcing the UK’s critical role in advancing our technology stack. 

  • Showcasing the UK’s technology leadership: PsiQuantum has hosted senior UK leaders—including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Secretary of State Peter Kyle, and Secretary of State Liz Kendall—for site visits and technical briefings across our UK and U.S. facilities, underscoring the UK’s critical role in quantum innovation. 

The Science and Technology Facilities Council

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), funds and supports research in particle and nuclear physics, astronomy, gravitational research and astrophysics, and space science. It operates a network of five national laboratories in addition to supporting UK research at a number of international research facilities including CERN, FERMILAB and the ESO telescopes in Chile. STFC is keeping the UK at the forefront of international science and has a broad science portfolio, working with the academic and industrial communities to share its expertise. 

“ Attracting companies like PsiQuantum to our shores to build new research facilities like this one in Daresbury will transform the way we tackle many of the challenges facing us today, from ground-breaking medicinal discoveries to tackling climate change. The establishment of this facility is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s unrivalled expertise in innovation, demonstrating how the UK is spearheading crucial breakthroughs in quantum technologies. ”

Michelle Donelan Former Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary