Lancaster University researchers are spearheading a major new European research initiative that aims to redefine how artificial intelligence can harness the power of quantum computing.
Quantum AI combines emerging quantum computing technologies with artificial intelligence to explore new ways of solving complex problems.
Unlike today's mainstream AI systems, such as large language models (LLMs), which rely on classical computing and large-scale data processing, Quantum AI investigates how the unique properties of quantum systems may enable new forms of learning and decision-making.
The project, IgnisQNC (Igniting Quantum Neural Computing), will develop Quantum Neural Computing (QNC) - a new computational paradigm designed to transform quantum uncertainty from a challenge into a computational advantage.
The research will investigate how emerging quantum technologies can improve the efficiency, robustness, and interpretability of AI systems, enabling new capabilities beyond classical computing approaches.
Dr Richard Jiang, project coordinator of IgnisQNC and Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University, said: "One of the challenges in quantum computing is uncertainty. Quantum systems naturally behave in probabilistic ways, which can make computation difficult to control and interpret. IgnisQNC aims to turn this challenge into an advantage by designing AI methods that can learn from and exploit quantum uncertainty rather than simply trying to eliminate it."
By combining advances in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and explainable AI, the team aims to build intelligent systems that are not only powerful but also transparent and trustworthy.
Dr Jiang said: "IgnisQNC is about building trustworthy quantum AI. Rather than treating uncertainty as a limitation, we aim to turn it into an advantage for learning and decision-making. Our ambition is to develop quantum-enabled AI systems that are not only more capable but can also explain their reasoning - an important step towards responsible and trustworthy artificial intelligence."
Led by Lancaster University, IgnisQNC brings together an international consortium spanning academia and industry, including Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU, Germany), Aqarios GmbH (Germany), TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), and Pablo de Olavide University (UPO, Spain).
The project is funded by QuantERA, a transnational funding network supported by the European Commission.
With a total consortium value of €1.88 million, including approximately €475,000 awarded to Lancaster University, the project will strengthen Lancaster's position at the forefront of Europe's next generation of trustworthy and explainable quantum artificial intelligence.
At Lancaster University, IgnisQNC will be delivered as a cross-disciplinary initiative hosted jointly by the university's Quantum Technology Centre, the School of Computing and Communications, and the School of Physics and Astronomy. The project will be jointly led and supervised by Dr Richard Jiang and Professor Yuri Pashkin, bringing together expertise across quantum technologies, machine learning, and advanced computational science.
Professor Pashkin said: "This project highlights the value of an interdisciplinary collaboration across quantum science, computing, and artificial intelligence. IgnisQNC creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen Lancaster's position in quantum technologies while developing foundational methods for future intelligent systems."
The consortium plans to validate its methods on emerging quantum computing platforms and investigate applications across areas including intelligent sensing, biometrics, healthcare technologies, and complex data modelling. Longer term, the research could contribute to future intelligent systems capable of supporting scientific discovery and decision-making in complex environments.
The researchers say that by integrating quantum physics with explainable artificial intelligence, IgnisQNC aims to strengthen Europe's leadership in quantum innovation and establish new foundations for trustworthy AI in the quantum era.
The three-year project is expected to commence in September 2026.
Dr Richard Jiang and Professor Yuri Pashkin
