NAVISP at UK Quantum Week 2025
Last Updated: 20/11/2025 12:04 Created at: 18/11/2025 07:45
As part of the UK’s celebration of the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), NAVISP participated in UK Quantum Week, a national series of events showcasing the latest developments and future directions in quantum science.
The week began on Monday 3 November with the official launch of NMI-Q, a new international initiative uniting the world’s leading National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies. The initiative was opened by Minister Vallance during the “Quantum Metrology: from foundations to the future” event, hosted by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington, and aims to foster coordinated measurement standards and best practices in support of future quantum standardisation. The launch brought together more than 100 experts from research, industry, and government.
NMIs including NIST and PTB presented pioneering work in optical clocks, quantum measurement and its impact on industry, while universities and companies emphasised the importance of collaboration to understand which technologies to invest in for commercial innovation. Washington Ochieng from Imperial College focused on how quantum can be used to deliver the UK’s missions and sustainable development goals, stating the importance of Digital Twins to analyse the role of quantum in a PNT system of systems.
NAVISP joined the panel discussion on Quantum Metrology: Impact Through Real-World Applications, highlighting how the programme supports companies and institutes in developing advanced timing technologies and quantum sensing solutions. NAVISP is in contact with several companies from the event, and with NPL regarding new quantum and PNT activities. Cyrus Larijani, Head of Quantum Programme at NPL said “NPL’s expertise and facilities allow us to make the measurements that help quantum innovators characterise and validate their technologies, using science to allow for evidence based decision making. With support from ESA NAVISP, NPL is already advancing next-generation timing capabilities, and we look forward to further opportunities for NPL and NAVISP to work together on new quantum and timing activities.’’
On Friday 7th November the week concluded with the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase at London’s Business Design Centre, which brought together more than 2,800 delegates and over 100 exhibitors, marking the largest quantum-focused event in the country. Organized by Innovate UK, EPSRC, and the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, the showcase highlighted the UK’s leadership in quantum innovation during the International Year of Quantum. This position cements the position of UK as a world leader in quantum technologies.
Aside from quantum computing, quantum sensing emerged as a central theme, with demonstrations of technologies that promise to transform Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT): Cold-atom interferometers, gravity gradiometers, accelerometers, and quantum magnetometers were showcased as solutions for navigation in GPS-denied environments, underground mapping, and resource exploration, with more than 20 companies present. These sensors exploit quantum properties to deliver unprecedented accuracy and resilience, enabling navigation systems that are immune to jamming and spoofing.
Quantum metrology also featured prominently, with the National Physical Laboratory presenting advances in standards and calibration essential for scaling quantum sensing technologies. Ultra-stable quantum clocks were highlighted for their role in providing precise timing for critical infrastructures, from telecommunications to financial networks.
For Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), quantum technologies are game-changing. Quantum clocks deliver ultra-stable timing for resilient networks, while cold-atom accelerometers and gyroscopes enable drift-free inertial navigation without reliance on satellite signals. Gravimeters and magnetometers further enhance navigation robustness against jamming and spoofing—critical for finance, space, and dual-use applications.
By participating in these events, NAVISP reaffirmed its commitment to integrating quantum breakthroughs into next-generation PNT solutions, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of secure and precise navigation. Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for Quantum Technologies in Innovate UK and a member of the NAVISP Advisory Committee said, “The annual Showcase is a celebration of success which now goes beyond technical and is increasingly commercial. NAVISP continues to play an important role as a key enabler for innovation and competitiveness in the field of PNT."
