Quantum Motion: Britain’s Bid to Shrink the Quantum Computer

17 September 2025

Paul Francis

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In a small laboratory in Oxfordshire, a London-based startup may have nudged the UK closer to a future once thought the stuff of science fiction. Quantum Motion has unveiled a working quantum computer prototype that fits neatly inside a standard server rack.

Futuristic glowing blue cube with circuit patterns, set against a digital grid background, evoking a high-tech, sci-fi mood.

It is not the largest or most powerful quantum machine in the world, but its significance lies in its design. By building on conventional silicon chip technology, Quantum Motion has created something that could make quantum computing more practical, scalable, and affordable.

From academia to innovation

Quantum Motion was founded in 2017 by academics from Oxford and University College London. Their mission was simple in theory but daunting in practice: to take quantum computing out of the lab and into a format that could eventually be mass-produced.

Most quantum computers today require elaborate infrastructure. They are huge, fragile, and rely on ultra-cold environments. By contrast, Quantum Motion’s prototype leverages existing semiconductor supply chains, promising a future where quantum computers could be built more like conventional processors.

Why it matters

Quantum computers are often described as machines that can solve problems “intractable” for classical computers. They hold potential for breakthroughs in areas like drug discovery, financial modelling, and even tackling climate change simulations.

The UK government is paying attention. Last year it launched a £2.5 billion National Quantum Strategy, designed to make Britain a leader in the global race for quantum supremacy. The sector is crowded, with US giants such as Google, IBM, and Microsoft, as well as China, pouring billions into research.

Quantum Motion’s work is part of a broader network of projects supported by the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre in Oxfordshire. The goal is not to catch up overnight, but to carve out a competitive edge in specific, practical applications.

A long road ahead

The excitement is real, but so are the challenges. Scaling up from dozens of qubits to the millions needed for fully commercial systems is still a massive hurdle. Quantum computers are also prone to errors that require complex correction methods. All of this demands vast amounts of funding and patience.

Still, the promise of Quantum Motion’s approach is clear. By using standard chip technology, the company offers a route that could eventually make quantum machines cheaper and more widely available than many competitors’ designs.

For the UK, this is about more than just science. It is about securing a role in one of the most important technological races of the century. If successful, Quantum Motion could help Britain punch far above its weight in the quantum age.

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NEW Birthday Cake Donut, Milkybar® Raspberry Ripple McFlurry®, and More Arrive at McDonalds Restaurants from 17th July.

Paul Francis
Jul 15, 2024
2 min read

Joining these nostalgic sweet treats are the Double Big Mac®, Double Big Mac® with Bacon, and McCrispy® BBQ Smokehouse. Plus, welcoming the NEW showstopping side, Cheesy Garlic Bread Dippers.

20p from each Birthday Cake Donut sale will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which celebrates its 35th birthday this year.

It’s time to celebrate McDonald’s style, as it celebrates its 50th birthday! Say hello to a limited-edition menu, featuring THREE brand new desserts and a new cheesy side. Plus, a selection of returning icons are back on the scene.

BIRTHDAY TREATS

What says ‘happy birthday’ better than a ring doughnut with a strawberry-flavoured filling, topped with buttercream-flavoured icing and sprinkles?! The Birthday Cake Donut joins the McCafe® menu and it’s sure to be every dessert fan’s dream.

Best of all, McDonald’s will donate 20p from each Birthday Cake Donut sale to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which also celebrates its 35th birthday this year! McDonald’s is a founding and forever partner of the Charity, which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children in hospital.

It's time for McFlurry fans to rejoice, as TWO brand-new flavours land on the birthday menu. Up first, it’s the Milkybar® Raspberry Ripple McFlurry®, featuring soft dairy ice cream swirled with mini Milkybar chocolate drops and topped with a sweet & sharp raspberry sauce…yum! And if that’s not enough, introduce Munchies® Cookie Dough McFlurry®, made up of soft dairy ice cream swirled with chocolate-coated Munchies biscuit pieces and topped with a caramel cookie dough sauce. Two perfect nostalgic flavours to truly get in the birthday mood.

AND FOR THE MAIN EVENT…

It wouldn’t be a McDonald’s line-up without our legendary burgers, and it is no different on the brand’s big birthday. Fan favourites Double Big Mac® and Double Big Mac® with Bacon. will be re-joining the menu, featuring four 100% beef patties, a slice of cheese, lettuce, onion, and pickles. And the sauce. That unbeatable, tasty Big Mac® sauce.

Making its first re-appearance since October 2023, it’s the McCrispy® BBQ Smokehouse! This burger is 100% chicken breast fillet in a crispy, crunchy coating with a smoky BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, red onion and lettuce, all in a delicious sourdough-style sesame-topped bun.

CELEBRATORY SIDES AND SHARE BOXES

Calling all garlic bread fans! Cheesy Garlic Bread Dippers will be making their grand debut in this extra-special birthday menu. Featuring four mozzarella dippers flavoured with garlic and chives in a ciabatta-style breadcrumb coating, served with rich tomato dip. Also available in a Sharebox. Say cheese!

Last but certainly not least, the McDonald’s Chicken Sharebox® will be staying on the menu, including six Chicken Selects®, twelve Chicken McNuggets®, plus two McNuggets® dips and two Selects® dips. Cluckin’ lovely.

But if Chicken Selects are your favourite, don’t worry, the 9 Chicken Selects Sharebox® with 3 Selects® Dips will also remain.