Aquark Technologies, a Southampton-based pioneer in cold atom quantum hardware, has been awarded a £1.4 million contract from Innovate UK to deploy its latest miniaturized quantum system, AQlock 2. The funding aims to bolster the resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure by reducing reliance on vulnerable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. The project positions Aquark at the forefront of efforts to develop scalable, deployable quantum timing systems that can safeguard national critical infrastructure.
Pioneering Quantum Timing for National Networks
The AQlock 2 system is designed as a compact and cost-effective quantum timing solution that provides distributed, GNSS-independent positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). By integrating this system into telecoms networks, Aquark seeks to enhance the reliability and precision of communications across the UK. The initiative supports Innovate UK’s broader mission to demonstrate commercial readiness in advanced quantum technologies and contribute to national network security and performance.
Strategic Collaboration with Leading Institutions
The award follows Aquark’s participation in Innovate UK’s competitive “Contract for Innovation: Quantum Sensors and PNT Missions Primer” program. The collaboration also includes the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Purbrook, both serving as subcontractors on the project. Building on previous collaborations with the Royal Navy and multiple successful trials with NPL, Aquark’s latest project is set to run until March 2026, culminating in the deployment of AQlock 2 at a major UK telecommunications site.
Addressing GNSS Vulnerabilities and Economic Risk
The UK’s reliance on satellite-based GNSS systems exposes critical infrastructure to risks such as jamming, spoofing, and solar interference. Such disruptions could cause economic losses estimated at £1 billion per day. Aquark’s contract with Innovate UK marks a strategic step toward mitigating these vulnerabilities and aligning with the National Quantum Strategy’s goal of building quantum-powered infrastructure independent of satellite signals. The technology aims to safeguard power distribution, emergency services, and data networks that depend on stable timing and sensing systems.
Building the Future of Quantum Resilience
Alexander Jantzen, COO and Co-Founder of Aquark Technologies, emphasized the national importance of the project. “It is vital that we protect our telecoms—not just for daily life, but for our national security and economy,” Jantzen said. “With AQlock 2, we will reduce the UK’s reliance on satellite signals that are vulnerable to interference. This will help prevent power outages and supply chain disruptions that can ripple across society.”
Engineering Smaller, Smarter Quantum Systems
AQlock 2 incorporates advanced vacuum technology, precision microfabrication, and a patented method for cooling and trapping atoms, enabling the creation of smaller and more scalable quantum systems. These innovations make quantum hardware more practical for deployment outside laboratory environments. The project’s success is expected to establish a blueprint for integrating quantum systems into large-scale infrastructure, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in applied quantum technologies.
Through this £1.4 million partnership, Innovate UK and Aquark Technologies are advancing the frontier of quantum-enabled telecom infrastructure. By delivering a resilient, scalable, and deployable timing solution, Aquark is setting the stage for a more secure digital future. The deployment of AQlock 2 not only strengthens the UK’s technological independence but also exemplifies how innovation in quantum science can translate into tangible national resilience and economic security.