Scottish quantum startup Quantcore has been awarded the 2026 qBIG prize by the Institute of Physics (IOP), a prestigious recognition for its groundbreaking work in quantum hardware commercialization. This prize, now in its fourth year, celebrates small and medium-sized companies in the UK or Ireland for their breakthroughs in quantum technology. Quantcore, a spin-out from the University of Glasgow, specializes in developing superconducting processors, resonators, and sensors using niobium-based components, which can operate at higher temperatures than traditional materials. This innovation is a significant step forward in the field of quantum computing.
The qBIG award, sponsored by Quantum Exponential, includes a £10,000 cash prize and valuable mentoring and business support. Quantcore CEO Jack Brennan expressed his delight and gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the company's hard work and the importance of being part of a list of successful quantum startups. The award ceremony, held in London, also acknowledged two runners-up: Mater-AI, which develops thermoelectric materials for energy conversion and cooling, and Skydiamond, which produces lab-grown diamonds for use in quantum computing.
This prize is a testament to the growing strength of the UK quantum industry, according to Louis Barson, IOP's director of science, business, and education. The qBIG initiative aims to celebrate and accelerate the growth of innovative quantum companies, providing them with a platform to showcase their achievements. As Quantcore continues to innovate, it sets a high bar for other quantum startups, inspiring further advancements in the field and driving the development of practical quantum technologies.
