Call 2: C-PIC Future Leaders 2027
Scalable quantum technologies won’t be built by one discipline.
They’ll be built by the right team.
Industry has identified a critical challenge: defining the silicon photonics platforms in the UK needed to enable scalable quantum communications and sensing technologies.
Solving this challenge demands fresh thinking at the intersection of disciplines, bringing together diverse expertise to unlock new possibilities. Yet many emerging researchers lack the networks, industry connections and leadership opportunities needed to turn ambitious ideas into transformative innovation.
C-PIC Future Leaders, delivered in partnership with the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub (IQN) and the Quantum Biomedical Sensing Hub (Q-BioMed), is designed to overcome these barriers, providing the funding and support to empower the next generation of research leaders to forge new collaborations and develop ambitious, industry-informed solutions using silicon photonics.
Deadlines:
- One-day scoping event deadline: 21 October 2026, 16:00
- Three-day residential sandpit: 27 November 2026, 16:00
What if … your expertise is exactly what’s needed?
C-PIC Future Leaders brings emerging researchers and technical specialists together to explore industry-driven challenges in scaling quantum communications and quantum sensing. Our structured programme and funding opportunity builds the skills, networks and teams needed to shape the next generation of silicon photonics platforms for scalable quantum technologies.
You are…
A researcher, technician, industry professional, clinician, or policy stakeholder, working in the field of:
- Quantum science
- Materials engineering
- Photonic integration
- Biological sciences
- A sensing or communications application area
If you’re a researcher or technician, you’re likely to be early to mid-career stage (ECMR)—typically Affiliate / Associate Professor level or equivalent. And you’re ready to bridge disciplines and create solutions together.
You’ve got…
- An interesting technical challenge you want to solve in quantum communications or sensing
- A concept on paper that you’d like to prototype
- A promising solution that needs to become industry-compatible and scalable
We’ve got…
- Training and support for future research leaders
- Funding for 3 x ECMR-led collaborative projects totalling £750,000
- A flexible silicon photonics prototyping foundry
Programme Timeline
- September–November: Building Towards Innovation | Online Training & Networking
Kickstart your Future Leaders journey with webinars and online networking to you help you build connections and develop the skills to craft compelling bids. Unlimited places. - 11 November | Scoping Workshop (In-person, Wellcome Trust, London)
Join us in London to refine the questions that matter most for the sandpit, identify gaps in current thinking and lay the foundations for impactful new partnerships. 60 places. - 12–14 January 2027 | Mini-Sandpit (In-person, De Vere Horsley Estate)
A three-day workshop at the home of computer science pioneer Ada Lovelace. Facilitated by KnowInnovation, this immersive event will bring together researchers, industry, and expert mentors to form EMCR-led interdisciplinary teams. Develop targeted research propositions and pitch ideas for a share of £750,000 in funding. 30 places.
How can I apply?
Engage with us
Webinars: We’ll be hosting a series of webinars to support applicants. To register for these, visit the C-PIC Future Leaders website and click ‘Apply now’.
Email: If you have any questions about C-PIC Future Leaders, please contact Ruth Churchill, Impact Manager, r.churchill@soton.ac.uk