The UK government will support its science and tech innovation sectors with over £1 billion in investments to help innovators working in transformative sectors, such as quantum computing, semiconductors, engineering biology, and cybersecurity
The investment is part of the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, which is a component of the modern Industry Strategies aimed at strengthening the economy.
£670 million boost for quantum computing
A significant portion of the investment, £670 million, will be allocated towards accelerating the development and practical application of quantum computing technologies.
Expected to outperform traditional supercomputers by 2035, quantum computers hold the promise of breakthroughs in medicine, clean energy and environmental protection.
The National Quantum Computing Centre will receive a decade-long funding settlement, providing stability for long-term research and making the UK a more attractive hub for quantum innovation.
Advancing engineering biology
The government is investing £380 million to support breakthroughs in sustainable food, healthcare, and environmental resilience. The funding will be split between £196 million for research and development through the National Engineering Biology Programme and £184 million for infrastructure that helps bridge the gap between lab research and commercial application. Projects may include work on climate-resilient crops, lab-grown meat, and life-saving treatments.
Strengthening the semiconductor sector
With the global demand for semiconductors growing, the UK has established the UK Semiconductor Centre, which is supported by up to £19 million.
This centre will act as a central hub for international collaboration and support for UK-based firms. An additional £35 million will be used to expand the Semiconductor Talent Expansion Programme, funding courses, bursaries, and career conversion opportunities to build a pipeline of skilled workers.
Advanced connectivity and cybersecurity
The announcement also includes £370 million for UK-developed advanced connectivity technologies. These funds will enhance network coverage in underserved areas, support transportation and defence communications, and improve network security. This includes £240 million for advanced R&D and £130 million to expand the UK Telecoms Lab’s capacity.
On the cybersecurity front, the Cyber ASAP programme will receive an extra £10 million, supporting 25 academic teams each year.
Belfast’s Cyber AI Hub will get £2 million to help spin out 28 cybersecurity startups by 2030. The Cyber Runway accelerator will also benefit from £6 million, continuing its work in mentoring and scaling 60 startups annually.
Future global talent and tech innovation
The UK is also hoping to attract global talent through a £54 million commitment that will fund the newly created Global Talent Taskforce.
This aims to attract top-tier scientists and engineers to the UK, supporting high-growth sectors and further strengthening the country’s tech innovation ecosystem.
Further investments include £24 million to promote the adoption of the CHERI blueprint for more secure chip design and £25 million for two new semiconductor innovation centres.
Long term growth
The government’s plans demonstrate a strong approach to ensuring the UK leads in technologies such as AI, quantum computing, engineering biology, and semiconductors.
It also supports their Plan for Change, which focuses on achieving the highest sustained economic growth among G7 nations.
