UKRI-3028 NQCC Dilution Fridge Systems

This tender is aimed at the purchase of multiple cryogenic dilution fridges, as specified in Section 4 of the Specification (Which is made available through the Delta e-sourcing portal). The delivery of the cryogenic dilution fridges is for the National Quantum Computing Centre. The National Quantum Computing Centre seeks to enhance the UK's global leadership in quantum computing, to help translate UK research strengths into innovation, and enable the creation of the first generation of quantum computers, helping to build a resilient future economy.

The National Quantum Computing Centre seeks to enhance the UK’s global leadership in quantum computing, to help translate UK research strengths into innovation, and enable the creation of the first generation of quantum computers, helping to build a resilient future economy.

The NQCC is the first UKRI Centre funded directly by UKRI, and is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling – technological and user adoption. The NQCC delivers quantum computing for the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), which has already established the UK as a quantum technology global leader. Through its combined £1bn of public and private sector investment over 10 years (2014-2024), the programme will develop and deliver quantum technologies across the areas of sensing, timing, imaging, communications and computing.

The NQCC is pursuing two primary platforms of quantum computing, one based on superconductors and one based on trapped ions, as these are currently the most mature.

The centre will be headquartered in a purpose-built facility at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Campus in Oxfordshire. The centre is due for completion in October 2023. Ahead of the completion of the centre, a temporary facility is planned for mid-2023, for which multiple cryogenic dilution fridge systems is required.