Sheffield Quantum Centre
The centre unites leading expertise in quantum technologies at the University of Sheffield, spanning across multiple disciplines and departments. Our capabilities include designing high-quality photonic structures, growing advanced materials, and developing bespoke quantum algorithms. With a focus on industrially relevant challenges, we drive innovation in computation, sensing, and networking.
Our team
We are a team of quantum physicists, material specialists, engineers, computer scientists, united by the passion of developing quantum solutions. Please see the team member profiles at the university pages.
Our solutions
We enable and create solutions in quantum photonics, materials science, and quantum algorithms. Our teams combine experimental and theoretical expertise. We bridge hardware and software to drive quantum innovation.
Quantum Photonics
We create innovative quantum photonic systems for applications in computing, imaging, and communication.
Quantum Materials
We design and engineer advanced materials and structures to enable next-generation quantum technologies.
Quantum Algorithms
We develop bespoke quantum computing algorithms for applications in machine learning, scientific computing, and sensing.
Collaborate with SQC
We work with academic, industry, and public sector partners to drive quantum technologies.
From joint research to developing new use-cases, we’re open to new ideas and opportunities.
Get in touch to explore how we can collaborate.
News and events
Stay up to date with the latest research highlights, events, and announcements from the Sheffield Quantum Centre. Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and insights.
© Sheffield Quantum Centre. All rights reserved.

Sheffield Quantum Volleyball
Place: Weston Park, Broomhill, Sheffield (map)
Date: Fri 20th June 2025, 16:30 - ...
Meeting point: we start from the Austin Room at the Hicks building and go to the park
Have you ever wondered how quantum information can be imagined?
Worry no more — we are planning a practical class on performing Bloch sphere operations, namely the Sheffield Quantum Volleyball session!The idea is simple: we’ll gather at Weston Park for some amateur-level volleyball (or any other game you bring along) and mix social fun with light quantum discussions. There will be seed-funded drinks but please bring your own favourite beverage and snacks. If you've got fun games (frisbees, cards, weird quantum dice...), feel free to bring them too! Sadly it's not May anymore with that amazing weather, but let's hope we get a good one too. If it betrays us, we will teleport the event to a nearby pub.
See you at the fields!
Quantum Use-Case Sandpit
More information here: https://sheffieldquantum.com/#sandpit
Place: The Wave, University of Sheffield (Workroom 3)
Dates: Thu 11 Sep - Fri 12 Sep 2025
Registration: Eventbrite registration pageProgramme:
Day 1, Thu 11 Sep 2025 (link to pdf version):
10:00 - arrivals and coffee
10:30 - Opening remarks from the UoS leadership
10:40 - session 1
11:30 - coffee break 1
12:00 - session 2
12:50 - lunch
14:00 - round table 1
15:00 - session 3
15:50 - coffee break
16:20 - round table 2
17:30 - final discussion
19:30 - event dinner (Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar, Sheffield)Day 2, Fri 12 Sep 2025:
09:30 to 12:30 - lab tours and 1-2-1 discussions
Quantum Roundtable @SQC
Place: Hicks Building, room K14, University of Sheffield (link to the venue map)
Date: Wed 4th June 2025, 11:30 - 14:30
Registration: please add your dietary requirements in a Google form
Link to the announcement at university pages
We invite you to take part in a discussion on quantum research streams at the University of Sheffield, including current and future plans for the Sheffield Quantum Centre. Some of the questions we would like to address:
"What are our strengths in the sector? How can we stand out nationally and internationally, staying competitive in this rapidly evolving field?"
"How do we build strong partnerships in the domain and ensure our research remains visible?"
"How do we build strong partnerships in the domain and ensure our research remains visible?"
These discussions will inform the quantum strategy and future development of SQC. The goals we hope to achieve include: 1) mapping current activities and identifying shared interests; 2) selecting priority areas and the capabilities needed to lead in them; 3) gathering views on funding streams and industrial engagement; 4) resolving logistical questions to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
Quantum + AI interest group
Place: Hicks Building, room K14, University of Sheffield (link to the venue map)
Date: Wed 28th June 2025, 14:00 - 15:00
Registration: please fill in a simple Google form
Link to the announcement at university pages
Have you been interested in quantum technologies for a while, but aren’t sure where to learn more? Are you a quantum computing enthusiast in search of new ideas and collaborations? Or are you a seasoned veteran working in quantum physics or photonics, but keen to explore recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI)?No matter your career stage or level of expertise, we invite you to join the interest group at the intersection of Quantum and AI. Come meet fellow enthusiasts and researchers, discuss the state of the art, learn about recent advances, and plan the next steps on your journey.This event is part of a series of interest groups established and organised by the Centre for Machine Intelligence (CMI) and the Sheffield Quantum Centre (SQC). In the first meeting, we’ll begin with a short presentation on quantum computing and machine learning from the organisers, followed by group discussions and networking. See you there!
Quantum Use-Case Sandpit
Place: The Wave - Workroom 3, University of Sheffield (link to the venue map)Dates: Thu 11 Sep - Fri 12 Sep 2025Registration: please follow to Eventbrite pagesProgramme: see below

We are pleased to announce a discussion forum organised by the Sheffield Quantum Centre. This sandpit-style event aims to bring together representatives from industries working on complex challenges across diverse domains, where emerging quantum technologies have the potential to offer impactful solutions.The aim is to identify new and unexpected use-cases where quantum approaches can help overcome computational bottlenecks, improve the accuracy of predictions through precise measurements, or open directions that have not been considered before.Invited participants are from sectors including automotive, aerospace, multisimulation, biopharma, chemistry, defence, and energy. They will be joined by quantum hardware providers, software stack developers, and leading academic researchers at SQC.Our goals are to: 1) identify unique combinations of quantum and photonic tools that could offer disruptive solutions; 2) establish cross-sector collaborations around shared challenges; and 3) define a set of action points to support quantum readiness.The event will also provide an opportunity to learn about the growing quantum ecosystem at the Sheffield Quantum Centre.
Programme:
Day 1, Thu 11 Sep 2025 (link to pdf version):
10:00 - arrivals and coffee
10:30 - Opening remarks from UoS Leadership (Prof. John Derrick, Vice-President and Head of Faculty of Science)
Session 1: "Computational Challenges"
10:40 - "Quantum Algorithms in the Age of AI" by Oleksandr Kyriienko (SQC)
10:50 - "Artemis: Quantum Computer Made in Sheffield" by Tom Lyons (Aegiq)
11:00 - "Quantum Computing for Aerodynamics" by Leigh Lapworth (Rolls Royce)
11:10 - "Quantum Computing for Chemistry and Drug Discovery" by Josh Kirsopp (Fujitsu UK)
11:20 - Question session
11:30 - coffee break
Session 2: "Diverse Quantum Applications"
12:00 - "Quantum Computing for Fluid Dynamics" by Thorsten Grahs (Volkswagen)
12:10 - "Quantum Applications for Defense" by Claudia Clarke (AWE)
12:20 - "Developing Next-Generation Software for Engineering" by Emre Öngüt (Siemens DIS)
12:30 - "Quantum Technologies for Future Communication" by Taofiq Paraiso (Toshiba Europe)
12:40 - Question session
12:50 - lunch
14:00 - Round table 1: Quantum Rotations
Session 3: "Towards Quantum Solutions"
15:00 - "Photonic Quantum Technologies" by Thomas van Els (QuiX Quantum)
15:10 - "Quantum Supervised Learning" by Mattia Fiorentini (Rigetti UK)
15:20 - "Quantum Software and Middleware" by Maciej Koch-Janusz (Haiqu)
15:30 - "Building Large-Scale Quantum Computers" by Lucy Robson (Universal Quantum)
15:40 - Question session
15:50 - coffee break
16:20 - Round table 2: Quantum Deep Dive
17:30 - final discussions
18:00 - day closed
19:30 - event dinner at Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar, Sheffield (link to a map)Programme. Day 2, Fri 12 Sep 2025:
09:30 - meeting at the entrance of Hicks Building [(link to map)] (https://maps.app.goo.gl/u82ptmQza4zHV7VL8)
From there we move to E39 (first floor) meeting lab tour guides and leaving bags.
10:00 - lab tour A & 1-2-1 discussions
10:30 - lab tour B & 1-2-1 discussions
11:00 - lab tour C & 1-2-1 discussions
11:00 - lab tour C & 1-2-1 discussions
13:00 - event closed
List of speakers & participants
John Derrick (Vice-President and Head of Faculty of Science, UoS)
Oleksandr Kyriienko (Director @ SQC)
Leigh Lapworth (Fellow in Computational Sciences @ Rolls Royce)
Josh Kirsopp (Principal Researcher @ Fujitsu UK)
Thorsten Grahs (Researcher @ Volkswagen)
Emre Öngüt (Innovation Lead @ Siemens DIS)
Claudia Clarke (Researcher @ AWE)
Mattia Fiorentini (Director, Quantum Applications @ Rigetti UK)
Tom Lyons (Senior Engineer @ Aegiq)
Thomas van Els (Senior Business Development @ QuiX Quantum)
Lucy Robson (Quantum Computing Lead @ Universal Quantum)
Maciej Koch-Janusz (Chief Scientist @ Haiqu)
Taofiq Paraiso (Team Leader @ Toshiba Europe)
Hardeep Jhutty (Director of R&D @ Moderna)
Kris Kaczmarek (Investor @ QDNL Participations)
Pieter Kok (Professor @ SQC and Chief Quantum Scientist @ Aegiq)
Earl Campbell (Fellow @ Riverlane and Professor @ SQC)
Bryn Bell (Head of Applications @ Oxford Quantum Circuits)
Imad Faruque (Group Leader @ SQC)
Maksym Sich (Chief Innovation Officer, Founder @ AegiQ)
Jonathan Matthews (Director of New Technologies @ PsiQuantum)
David Nigro (Researcher @ Thales)
Adam Anderson (Applications Specialist @ Ansys / Synopsis)
John Clark (Professor of Computer Science @ UoS & SQC)
Jorge Barreto (Professor @ Univ. Bristol)
Chris Porthouse (Chief Product Officer @ AegiQ)
Nikolaos Dervilis (Director of Research @ Mechanics, UoS)
Iuliia Miroshnychenko (Administrator @ SQC)
Fedor Benimetskiy (Researcher @ SQC; Sandpit Scientific Secretary)
... and many more!
© Sheffield Quantum Centre. All rights reserved.