Professor of Experimental Physics Edward Laird is part of an international team awarded major funding of £1.5 million to develop quantum computers in collaboration with Japan.

The “Massive scaling of semiconductor quantum-dot technologies” project is jointly led by Dr Masaya Kataoka of the National Physical Laboratory in the UK and Professor Tetsuo Kodera of the Institute of Science in Tokyo.

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the project began in early 2026 and will run for five years.

Professor Laird said: “It will be a great pleasure to with such a capable set of collaborators in the UK and Japan. The experimental challenges of making large quantum computers will only be solved by many researchers working together, and I am delighted that our consortium has been supported to tackle them.”

The project will develop scalable semiconductor quantum-dot devices, enabling powerful quantum computers and ultra-sensitive sensors. By combining expertise in computing, measurement and precision standards, the collaboration aims to advance quantum technologies and support the development of future researchers in the field.

The project aims to bring together internationally leading experts in the fields of spin qubits, charge pumps, cryogenic high-frequency measurements, thermopower measurements, and machine learning to scale up semiconductor quantum dot device technology.

By the end of the project, researchers aim to achieve device integration to enable 100 to 1,000 devices operating simultaneously on a chip.

Quantum technologies are expected to lead to the realisation of complex computing, highly sensitive sensors, and high-precision measurement standards that cannot be achieved with classical technology alone.

The announcements were highlighted during the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Japan, where he committed to deepening the science and tech ties between the two countries.

Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director for Strategy at EPSRC said: “Bringing together researchers from both countries means we can push the boundaries of science and unlock the real world benefits these technologies can deliver.”

The UK launched the world’s first national quantum programme, NQTP, in 2014 and has invested over £1 billion to build a thriving quantum ecosystem.

Japan brings complementary strengths in quantum communication, ion-trap systems, and advanced manufacturing, guided by its Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy and ASPIRE programme.