Opinion
Why quantum, why now? The case for UK-Israel collaboration in a critical technology
"By combining the UK’s strong institutional research base and sectoral depth with Israel’s agility and deep-tech entrepreneurship, collaboration can turn early breakthroughs into tangible outcomes that strengthen both economies," writes Tagil Yaniv, Critical Tech Lead at the UK-Israel Tech Hub, British Embassy in Israel.
It seems that the word “quantum” is no longer confined to academic labs. It has entered mainstream conversations among founders, investors, and technologists. There’s a reason for that - quantum technologies are moving from theory to reality, this shift reflects their growing potential to redefine how we compute, communicate, and secure information.
The UK recognised this shift early on, defining quantum as one of its critical technologies (those expected to shape economies, national security, and social wellbeing for generations), investing £2.5 billion over the next decade through its National Quantum Strategy. Through five national hubs, the UK is translating academic research into real-world applications from secure communications and precision sensing to quantum computing and timing.
Israel is also advancing rapidly with its national programme led by the Israel Innovation Authority and the Israel Quantum Computing Centre, creating new research infrastructure and fostering collaboration between universities and startups. In just a few years, Israel’s quantum-technology ecosystem has tripled in size, fuelled by public funding and growing private investment.
As this technological wave gathers pace, the question is not just why quantum, but why now? And how can like-minded partners shape what comes next, together?
This shared momentum reflects a wider truth: quantum has moved from scientific aspiration to strategic necessity. In an era shaped by trust and technology, collaboration between democratic partners is not only desirable, it is essential
Quantum technologies are often described as disruptive, but their first impact will be gradual and collaborative. Hybrid quantum-classical approaches are already enhancing performance in healthcare, finance, and secure communications - fields where both countries excel.
The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has identified near-term opportunities in drug discovery, personalised medicine, and clinical-trial optimisation. Financial institutions like HSBC are investing in quantum startups, including Israel’s Classiq, and developing global quantum strategies.
Israel’s quantum ecosystem is expanding beyond software and sensing into hardware and control-system innovation. This shows how a compact, agile environment can drive deep innovation and form global partnerships.
These technologies are not about replacing today’s systems overnight, but about solving problems currently beyond reach, from molecular modelling to financial portfolio optimisation and securing digital infrastructure.
Progress will come through partnerships between researchers, startups, and industry users. By combining the UK’s strong institutional research base and sectoral depth with Israel’s agility and deep-tech entrepreneurship, collaboration can turn early breakthroughs into tangible outcomes that strengthen both economies.
Together, these complementary strengths create a powerful synergy. The UK provides platforms and testbeds, while Israel accelerates innovation and adoption. This blend of scale and speed is exactly what frontier technologies like quantum demand.
Strategic collaboration must be focused and grounded in mutual interest. It’s not about open-ended cooperation, but about identifying areas where joint innovation delivers real value in accelerating progress, strengthening industries, and building shared resilience.
In my work at the UK-Israel Tech Hub, leading partnerships on critical and emerging technologies I see this balance every day. Across the embassy, we work to connect the UK’s strengths in research, regulation, and industry with Israel’s creativity, agility, and entrepreneurial talent. The aim is simple but ambitious: to build bridges between innovators who can create shared growth and responsible progress in areas shaping the future - quantum among them. Just this month, we held a UK-Israel quantum reception as part of an embassy delegation for UK’s National Quantum Showcase Week; the event aim was to promote tech partnerships at the forefront of quantum innovation between the two countries.
These relationships are not built overnight. They grow through trust, through pilots that work, and through the people, researchers, founders, and policymakers - who believe that collaboration is still the smartest path forward.
Tagil Yaniv is Critical Tech Lead at the UK-Israel Tech Hub, British Embassy in Israel.
