UK SparQ Access Opens 15 Quantum Platforms to Researchers, Broadening Beyond Single-Vendor Systems
Updated
Updated · Quantum Zeitgeist · Jun 6
UK SparQ Access Opens 15 Quantum Platforms to Researchers, Broadening Beyond Single-Vendor Systems
2 articles · Updated · Quantum Zeitgeist · Jun 6
Summary
Fifteen quantum computing platforms are now available to UK academic researchers through the newly launched SparQ Access Programme, with quarterly allocations and the next application deadline set for June 30.
The National Quantum Computing Centre says the scheme is designed to remove access barriers, speed scientific discovery and reduce dependence on any single hardware provider by offering a multi-platform environment.
IBM Quantum contributes five processors in its US East Region — including Boston Heron R3 and Miami Nighthawk R1 — while the lineup also spans Azure Quantum, Amazon Braket, IonQ, Quantinuum, Rigetti, IQM, QuEra and Pasqal simulators.
D-Wave hybrid solvers are included alongside gate-based systems, giving researchers access to annealing-style approaches as well as conventional quantum hardware for comparative testing and application discovery.
Initial awards cover three-month cloud environments for the Aug. 3-Oct. 30 period, with notifications due in mid-July as the UK pushes to expand quantum research capability and skills.