UK achieves milestone with first full-stack silicon CMOS quantum computer

London-based startup Quantum Motion has developed the world’s first full-stack quantum computer using standard silicon CMOS chip technology, paving the way for scalable, industrial-grade quantum systems integrated into data centres.

The United Kingdom has marked a pioneering achievement in quantum computing by developing the world’s first full-stack quantum computer built entirely with standard silicon CMOS chip technology. This breakthrough, realised by London-based startup Quantum Motion, signifies a dramatic shift from conventional quantum systems that typically depend on vast cryogenic facilities and bespoke production environments. The innovative quantum computer fits within the footprint of three standard 19-inch server racks and operates using silicon qubits crafted on 300-millimeter wafers—the same manufacturing processes applied in producing everyday electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops.

Quantum Motion’s strategic choice to employ CMOS silicon semiconductor technology addresses one of the greatest obstacles in quantum computing: scalability through mass manufacturability. Unlike traditional superconducting qubits or ion-trapped systems which require highly specialised fabrication facilities, the CMOS method leverages existing semiconductor industry infrastructure, enabling industrial-scale production. This compact quantum computer incorporates a dilution refrigerator that achieves near-absolute zero temperatures, silicon qubits, and integrated control circuits in a design compatible with standard data centre environments. The system’s modular tile architecture means computational units—complete with reading circuits, activation systems, and communication interfaces—can be replicated across a chip to potentially scale up to millions of qubits.

The innovation extends beyond hardware. Quantum Motion provides a full-stack software ecosystem encompassing user interfaces, qubit control mechanisms, and integration with established quantum programming frameworks such as Qiskit and Cirq. This approach facilitates immediate application development without the overhead of constructing new infrastructure, making the technology more accessible for practical scientific and industrial use. The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), where the machine is housed, has commenced real-world testing targeting industries including pharmaceutical molecular simulation, artificial intelligence, and network optimisation. Notably, the system incorporates self-calibration capabilities enabled by machine learning algorithms, optimising quantum operations autonomously.

This advancement sets the UK apart in the global race for quantum supremacy, underpinned by the compatibility of CMOS technology with modern electronics manufacturing and standard data centre integration. While other countries, such as China, are advancing rapidly in semiconductor and quantum technologies via large technology firms, Quantum Motion’s user-focused and industrialisation-driven philosophy contrasts with competitors primarily demonstrating feasibility rather than pursuing scalable commercial deployment.

Market analysts estimate that the global quantum computing industry could expand massively, with projected values ranging between approximately 76.5 billion and 722.5 billion euros by 2040. This market encompasses quantum hardware, cloud quantum services, and diverse applications spanning finance, energy, and healthcare sectors. Consumer-level quantum computing remains speculative for the next decade or two, with the more immediate impact expected through cloud-based quantum computing models accessible to research institutions and businesses without requiring personal ownership of quantum hardware.

By marrying quantum computing advancements with the reliable and proven production standards of silicon CMOS technology, the UK’s innovation lays foundational groundwork for the industrialisation and democratization of quantum technologies. This could expedite the integration of quantum acceleration into existing workflows and data centres across industries, dramatically enhancing practical problem-solving capabilities in areas critical to economic and technological progress.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative presents a recent development in quantum computing, with the earliest known publication date being September 15, 2025. The article was published on September 21, 2025, indicating a freshness of six days. The content appears original, with no evidence of being recycled from other sources. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Additionally, the article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([datacenterdynamics.com](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/quantum-motion-delivers-silicon-cmos-based-quantum-computer-to-uks-national-quantum-computing-centre/?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Quantum Motion’s CEO, James Palles-Dimmock, and NQCC Director, Dr. Michael Cuthbert. These quotes are consistent with those found in other reputable sources, indicating they are not exclusive to this narrative. The wording of the quotes matches previous publications, suggesting they are reused content. ([datacenterdynamics.com](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/quantum-motion-delivers-silicon-cmos-based-quantum-computer-to-uks-national-quantum-computing-centre/?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
6

Notes:
The narrative originates from Evidence Network, a Canadian non-profit organisation. While it is a reputable organisation, it is not as widely recognised as some other outlets. The article references multiple reputable sources, including UCL News and Data Center Dynamics, which strengthens its credibility. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/sep/first-quantum-computer-built-using-silicon-chips?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with recent developments in quantum computing. The article provides specific details, such as the system’s design fitting within three standard 19-inch server racks and its compatibility with existing data centre environments. The tone and language used are consistent with typical corporate and official communications. There are no excessive or off-topic details, and the structure is focused on the main claim. The narrative does not include any surprising or impactful claims that are not covered elsewhere. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and there are no inconsistencies or suspicious elements.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative presents a recent and plausible development in quantum computing, with specific details that align with reputable sources. While some quotes are reused from other publications, the overall content is original and credible. The source, Evidence Network, is a reputable organisation, and the claims made are consistent with recent advancements in the field.