UK NQCC Receives Oxford Ionics Quantum Quartet Computer
Quantum Quartet
Oxford Ionics Gives the National Quantum Computing Centre a Revolutionary Quartet Quantum Computer.
Oxford Ionics, a leading trapped-ion quantum computing business, delivered and installed Quartet, a cutting-edge full-stack quantum computer, to the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). This accomplishment is significant for the NQCC's quantum computing testbeds initiative and the UK quantum landscape. The Quartet system is prominently shown in the NQCC's Harwell quantum data centre.
The UK's national quantum computing laboratory, the NQCC, advances cutting-edge applications research. It collaborates with government, commercial, and academic partners. The NQCC and Innovate UK created the testbed effort to test and develop quantum computing commercial use cases, including funding Oxford Ionics' quantum computer. This project shows the UK's commitment to quantum technology's rapid adoption. The NQCC receives most of its funding from the UK Research and Innovation research agencies Science and Technology Facilities Council and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Technological Power: Quartet's Heart
Oxford Ionics' Electronic Qubit Control technology distinguishes Quartet, a trapped-ion, full-stack quantum computer. This innovative qubit technology uses electronics instead of lasers, a major change from existing methods. This architecture integrates all the components needed to trap and control qubits onto a standard electrical chip, which can be made in semiconductor foundries.
This integration onto ordinary processors solves one of quantum computing's main issues and provides unprecedented performance and scalability. This method has made Oxford Ionics the world's best quantum platform for quantum states preparation and measurement (SPAM), single-qubit gate fidelity, and two-qubit gate fidelity. These performance parameters indicate a quantum computer's processing power and reliability.
Field Upgrades for the Future
Oxford Ionics' quantum computers are special because of its field-upgradability. This means the NQCC Quartet system can be quickly adjusted to match the needs of the best-performing systems. Only the credit card-sized Quantum Processor Unit (QPU) needs to be replaced, simplifying the operation. With these features, the NQCC can smoothly improve performance and processing power at previously unheard-of speeds, which is breakthrough for quantum infrastructure and doesn't require infrastructure modifications. This “future-proof” design will keep the NQCC at the forefront of quantum capabilities.
Strategic Research and National Quantum Missions
Oxford Ionics and the NQCC collaborate after installation. Quartet will support crucial research and development as part of the UK's Quantum Missions program. This massive governmental initiative funds quantum computing projects that aim to remove technological barriers to quantum technology's commercialisation and adoption. Oxford Ionics, Riverlane, and Bay Photonics were selected for a Quantum Missions pilot as part of their Q-Surge initiative earlier this year, demonstrating their creativity. The project aims to improve Quartet by adding 2D qubit connection, which should make it more usable for complex applications.
Leadership Views on Quantum Future
Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre, was excited about Oxford Ionics' QUARTET trapped-ion quantum computer installation, which represented a major step forward in the NQCC's quantum computing testbeds effort. The system's proprietary architecture overcomes quantum computing scaling issues. We can't wait to test and validate the technology to design new apps and algorithms. He stressed the NQCC's focus on fundamental research and quantum computing applications.
Dr Chris Ballance, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Ionics, agreed, saying, “Setting up Quartet at the NQCC is a significant milestone for business as well as for opening the door to a quantum computing-powered future. Quartet ensures we have the processing power to solve some of the world's biggest challenges and is a crucial step towards commercial quantum computing. We are proud to assist the NQCC as they develop groundbreaking applications that can change the world. His statement emphasises the technology's strategic role in solving global problems and making a difference.
Strong Growth and Ambition for Oxford Ionics
Oxford Ionics' NQCC delivery ends a period of significant growth and strategic development. The company underwent a major transition after Dr. Ballance and Dr. Tom Harty co-founded it in 2019. Oxford Ionics was bought by US quantum computing firm IonQ for $1.08 billion in June 2025. This deal promises quantum computing synergy by combining both businesses' assets. The merging companies have ambitious quantum advancement targets. They expect 256 physical qubit systems with 99.99 percent accuracy in 2026.
Quartet's installation at the NQCC advances quantum computing commercialisation. Quartet's unique architecture, upgrade capabilities, government funding, and recent business expansion help it shape UK and global quantum computing.