News / Tech
Bristol signs ‘landmark’ quantum tech deal with US leaders
A “landmark” international agreement has been signed linking Bristol’s fast-growing quantum technology sector with the United States.
The deal between the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the University of Bristol and Elevate Quantum – America’s largest regional quantum consortium – is the first of its kind in the UK.
The partnership aims to attract new investment, create high-skilled jobs and accelerate innovation by connecting researchers and businesses in the West of England with counterparts in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
It is also expected to strengthen Bristol’s reputation as a global leader in advanced computing and quantum research, building on the region’s world-class facilities and the forthcoming Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
The deal between the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the University of Bristol and Elevate Quantum – America’s largest regional quantum consortium – is the first of its kind in the UK – photo: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / EXSvisuals
The deal builds on the UK-US Tech Prosperity Agreement signed in September, which saw a record £280bn of new investment committed by British and American firms.
Senior US quantum leaders visited Bristol to tour the university’s Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, backed by £35m from the mayoral combined authority, ahead of its expansion at Temple Quarter.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said the agreement reflects the West’s decade of tech-led job growth and will “enable new investment and create new jobs”.
She added: “Advanced technologies being pioneered in the Mountain West and in the West of England are developing products and services that will help change the world, in everything from clean energy to healthcare.
“Researchers at both ends of our 4,600-mile-long ‘quantum growth bridge’ are now better connected to continue to lead the way in this exciting innovation. The future starts here.”
University of Bristol vice-chancellor professor Evelyn Welch called the agreement “a major vote of confidence” in the region’s quantum expertise.
She added: “With over 150 world-leading quantum researchers, we have supported the launch of many spinouts which are helping to deliver secure telecommunications, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics in healthcare, combat climate change and more.”
The new partnership is expected to align with WECA’s “Growth Strategy” unveiled in September to create 72,000 new jobs and boost the economy – photo: Milan Perera
The announcement comes during a milestone year for the university, with the unveiling of Isambard-AI in July, the countdown to Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in September 2026 and plans for its first overseas campus in Mumbai as it marks its 150th anniversary.
Based in Denver, Elevate Quantum plans to unlock more than $2bn of private investment and create 10,000 jobs by 2030.
Chief executive Zach Yerushalmi said the agreement links Colorado and New Mexico’s quantum sectors with “the UK’s leading quantum ecosystem”, opening up new opportunities for innovation and commercial growth.
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, officially launched Isambard-AI in July – photo: University of Bristol
Main photo: West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / EXSvisuals
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