FormationQ, Hartree Centre Partner on UK Quantum Adoption
FormationQ and the STFC Hartree Centre have announced a strategic partnership to explore the adoption of quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing across UK industry, government, and research. The collaboration aims to identify applications, develop pilot projects, and build deployment capabilities in sectors ranging from healthcare to logistics. This agreement focuses on collaboration rather than a funded program; therefore, no budget, timeline, or committed projects were specified in the announcement.
Details of the agreement
Specifically, the Hartree Centre is an integral part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which operates under UK Research and Innovation. FormationQ, a US company, specializes in connecting quantum research with industry. Previous partnerships for FormationQ include collaborations with the University of Cambridge, The King’s Foundation, and the Jane Goodall Institute. According to the August 20 press release, this new arrangement is a strategic partnership to advance quantum research and proof-of-concept work towards operational deployment.
The partnership’s plans are in the future tense: they “will explore” applications, “will focus on” pilot projects, and “will support” skills development through engagement with universities, students, and industry partners. Currently, no pilot projects have commenced, nor have any sector customers been named.
Both organizations also highlighted skills development as a key objective. FormationQ cited an OECD 2026 policy paper indicating that over 40% of surveyed organizations identified a lack of skilled workforce as a barrier to quantum adoption. This statistic pertains to the market at large, rather than to any specific achievements of this partnership.
What the partners disclosed
Nada Hosking, Founder and CEO of FormationQ, stated:
“The future of advanced computing will depend not only on technological breakthroughs, but on the ability of organisations to tangibly harness these technologies to support the achievement of their business objectives. The Hartree Centre has an exceptional track record of converting research into real-world use cases for their partners. Together, we have an unique opportunity to accelerate the practical adoption of quantum, AI and hybrid computing in the UK; advancing capabilities in the sectors that matter.”
Kate Royse, Director of the Hartree Centre, added that quantum is “a critical part” of the center’s mission to assist organizations in adopting advanced digital technologies.