Quantcore, a Glasgow-based quantum technology startup, has secured £2.5 million in seed funding to develop a sovereign supply chain for quantum hardware and support the UK’s broader strategy to expand domestic capabilities in critical technologies.
The round was co-led by PXN Ventures, Blackfinch Ventures, and Scottish Enterprise, with additional participation from Quantum Exponential and STAC. The funding will be used to scale manufacturing capacity, expand the team, and advance the company’s superconducting quantum component development.
What The Company Does
Founded as a University of Glasgow spin-out by Dr Jack Brennan, Dr Valentino Seferai, Wridhdhisom Karar, and Prof Martin Weides, Quantcore designs, manufactures, and tests superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors used in quantum computing and advanced sensing systems. The company focuses on producing high-performance quantum hardware components that support scalable quantum architectures and precision measurement technologies.
A core differentiator in Quantcore’s approach is its use of niobium-based superconducting materials. Compared to aluminium, which is commonly used in global quantum hardware manufacturing, niobium can operate at relatively higher temperatures, potentially reducing cooling requirements, energy consumption, and operational complexity for quantum systems. This material strategy is intended to improve both scalability and efficiency for research institutions and industrial users developing quantum technologies.
Beyond quantum computing, the company’s hardware also supports applications in secure communications, high-precision medical imaging, and advanced sensing, where quantum-enabled performance can exceed the limits of classical technologies.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Global investment in quantum technologies is accelerating as governments and private sector players increasingly view quantum computing and sensing as strategically important for national security, scientific research, and long-term economic competitiveness. Hardware supply chains remain a critical bottleneck in the sector, with many countries seeking to reduce reliance on external manufacturing and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
The UK has positioned quantum technologies as a priority within its industrial and innovation strategy, committing significant public funding to accelerate research, infrastructure, and commercialisation. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty and the dual-use nature of quantum technologies have increased emphasis on sovereign manufacturing capacity, particularly for sensitive hardware components.
As quantum computing progresses toward more scalable systems, demand for specialised superconducting components and cryogenic-compatible hardware is expected to grow, creating opportunities for vertically integrated suppliers focused on advanced materials and precision fabrication.
Founder / Investor Commentary
CEO and co-founder Dr Jack Brennan highlighted the strategic importance of domestic quantum manufacturing, noting that the technological potential of quantum computing, including its implications for cryptography and secure systems, makes local hardware capability increasingly critical. He argued that as classical computing approaches performance limits, investment in sovereign quantum infrastructure will become essential for maintaining technological leadership.
Investors emphasized the relevance of building resilient supply chains for emerging deep-tech sectors, particularly in areas where hardware performance, security, and long-term research alignment are key differentiators.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The £2.5 million seed funding will be used to expand Quantcore’s engineering and commercial teams, with a focus on roles in design, advanced manufacturing, and cryogenic testing. The company also plans to scale production and enhance its testing infrastructure to meet growing demand from research laboratories and quantum technology developers.
In parallel, Quantcore aims to strengthen its position within the UK quantum ecosystem by supporting national laboratories and industrial partners with domestically produced superconducting components. The investment will also support continued R&D into niobium-based quantum hardware and its integration into next-generation quantum computing and sensing systems.
About Quantcore
Quantcore is a UK-based quantum hardware company founded in 2025 as a spin-out from the University of Glasgow. The company designs, manufactures, and tests niobium-based superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors for quantum computing and advanced sensing applications, with a focus on building scalable and sovereign quantum technology infrastructure.ge with these insights could strengthen decision quality over time and build brands that adapt more confidently to change.
