Where Quantum Comes Together
London Quantum Cluster (LQC) is a cross-sector coalition of organisations working together to accelerate the development of quantum technologies. We aim to be a unifying force for quantum innovation in the capital.
WE bring together London’s special strengths to accelerate the quantum economy, benefitting the UK’s economic growth, public services and society.
Why London?
With its research excellence, financial and political power and vibrant innovation culture, London is uniquely placed for the quantum economy to thrive. The city also benefits from specialist innovation infrastructure and unparalleled transport links.
London’s Place Advantage
London is a world-leading destination for quantum science, home to a concentration of top-ranked universities with dedicated quantum centres producing pioneering quantum research and commercial spin-outs. Additionally, advanced facilities such as The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN), Institute of Physics and the National Physical Laboratory provide critical infrastructure for cutting-edge quantum development.
“London has important competitive advantages in frontier innovation: globally leading universities; a deep and diverse talent pool; access to global capital; a large market for innovation; and a culture of entrepreneurship.”- London Growth Plan
Quantum technology is embedded in London’s long-term economic strategy as a high-growth sector that the Mayor of London is committed to supporting.
London’s People Advantage
London is one of the world’s favourite cities for entrepreneurs, corporates, researchers, professionals and investors. It attracts a diverse talent base of undergraduates, researchers with deep expertise needed for quantum hardware, software and applied quantum science, and experienced engineering, tech and business workers from across the world.
DISCOVER LONDON’S PEOPLE ADVANTAGE:
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London is home to over 40 Higher Education Institutions and research institutes.
6 of the top 100 Universities globally are based here, more than any other world city.
(Sources: londonhigher.ac.uk; The Times top 100 University rankings, 2025)
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Imperial’s Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology consists of 75+ researchers and 100+ PhD students engaged in quantum research.
UCL's Quantum Science and Technology Institute brings together over 120 researchers, from quantum computation to quantum sensing, to deliver word-class research and develop new technologies.
King's Quantum research centre leverages multidisciplinary expertise and knowledge across King’s in quantum science, to deliver transformative technology for healthcare, life sciences, security and industry. -
As a global city, London also offers natural pathways to national and international collaborations, enabling innovators to forge connections across the wider quantum landscape and accelerate their journey from lab to market.
London’s Financial Advantage
London’s position as a global financial hub gives the city a powerful advantage in accelerating quantum innovation. LQC works to harness this strength by creating the right conditions to launch and build a quantum-based business: connecting innovators to sources of capital, engaging with investors and helping to articulate the opportunities and challenges specific to quantum technologies.
“London is a magnet for investment. It consistently tops the European charts for foreign direct investment, venture capital and real estate investment.”- London Growth Plan
LONDON: THE UK’S INNOVATION, TECH & INVESTMENT CAPITAL
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London accounts for 59% of the UK tech sector’s total value.
1 in 4 UK unicorns are fintech or enterprise SaaS companies, and 70% are headquartered in London.
Of the 170k tech SMEs in the UK, over a third, 39.8% (approximately 67.7k firms) are headquartered in London.
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London secured £8.3 billion in venture capital funding within the tech sector in 2024 - the highest among all European cities.
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London is Europe’s leading AI hub. London-based AI startups secured almost one third of the city’s total VC investment. This is the third largest globally, behind only New York and the Bay Area.
(Sources: The Tech Nation Report 2025, Unlocking the UK’s Growth Potential; Dealroom.co; Beauhurst, Tech Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Landscape 2024; business.gov.uk, Digital and Technologies)
“London-based startups raised 7x more than any other UK region in 2024.”
- The Tech Nation Report 2025, Unlocking the UK’s Growth Potential
UPCOMING EVENTS
