London to Build Quantum-AI Strength with Universities, Finance and Talent
City’s international leadership spotlighted as a new technology base is launched in London
London’s ambition to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence and quantum technologies rests on both promise and pressure. The city’s world-class universities, globally connected financial services sector, and ability to attract top talent create fertile ground for innovation. These assets enable research to transition rapidly into commercial use, giving London a competitive edge over other European centers.
But success is not guaranteed. London faces challenges in expanding access to capital, training more specialists in advanced computing, and linking its growing AI ecosystem with the emerging quantum sector.
Howard Dawber, the Deputy Mayor of London for Business & Growth, said London cannot rest on its advantages. He said the city needs to double down on skills training in advanced computing, ensure access to funding for early-stage ventures, and build stronger links between the quantum and AI communities.
He warned that without sustained investment and clear policy direction, London risks losing momentum to international competitors who are scaling up quickly.
He added that London is not just Europe’s leader in AI but one of the world’s most important centers, and that more international companies are choosing London for their AI and tech operations. He said it is not just about location, but about regulatory frameworks, openness to global talent, and collaborative networks across academia and business that provide a long-term advantage.
Dawber argued that London’s combination of universities, investors, and entrepreneurs has created an ecosystem that directly supports job creation, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
He made the remarks at the official opening of QBase, a London-based hub for quantum and AI startups, on September 24.
American Giants Back UK AI
Earlier this month, the UK saw a new wave of American investment in AI infrastructure. A centerpiece is the government-backed AI Growth Zone in the North East, where OpenAI, Nvidia, and British technology firms are collaborating on sovereign AI infrastructure.
The “Stargate UK” initiative aims to install tens of thousands of GPUs in UK data centers to support the development of large-scale models onshore.
These projects highlight how U.S. cloud and AI giants increasingly see the UK as a strategic base for Europe. The influx of capital and cutting-edge hardware into the country could strengthen the domestic sector. Still, the payoff will depend on how effectively London and hubs like QBase plug into that infrastructure.
Dawber said part of London’s opportunity is to link with national projects like Stargate UK. He explained that these compute investments provide the raw power, while hubs such as QBase give startups the space to apply that capability to products and services.
With London already established as a center for fintech and life sciences, he said the addition of sovereign compute projects and dedicated hubs, such as QBase, is mutually reinforcing, demonstrating how the UK is turning its AI ambitions into a tangible competitive edge.
The expansion of infrastructure also signals a long-term commitment to embedding AI into the national economy. Observers believe these initiatives will create pathways for startups to grow, support investors seeking credible opportunities, and connect researchers with partners who can commercialize their work.
QBase: London’s New Hub
QBase has been designed to give startups and researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Its mission is to close the gap between early-stage research and real-world application, with a focus on applied AI, quantum algorithms, and data-driven solutions.
The hub is backed by a partnership between EdenBase and Northeastern University London, funded through a mix of private capital and institutional support. The structure is intended to ensure that both entrepreneurs and students gain from shared resources and collaborative opportunities.
Eric Van der Kleij, co-founder and partner of EdenBase, described QBase as a critical platform for high-potential ventures in London’s AI ecosystem. He emphasized that EdenBase’s involvement extends beyond capital, offering long-term operational support and strategic guidance to founders.
Van der Kleij said London has the talent and vision but needs infrastructure that helps ideas translate into real-world impact, adding that QBase is the kind of initiative that will help London retain its leadership position in AI. He noted that QBase is also designed to attract international entrepreneurs and give London-based firms a springboard to overseas markets.
Daniel Doll-Steinberg, co-founder and partner of EdenBase, underscored QBase’s role as a launchpad for innovation. He highlighted his efforts in helping to secure the funding needed to establish the hub and to build the partnerships that underpin it.
He said QBase is a catalyst that will support entrepreneurs in navigating the early stages of scaling and give them access to an ecosystem that connects them with investors, researchers, and international markets.
Beyond fundraising, Doll-Steinberg emphasized the importance of creating an environment where researchers and entrepreneurs can exchange ideas and collaborate. He argued that the next generation of breakthroughs will come from teams that combine scientific rigor with entrepreneurial drive, and that QBase is structured to encourage exactly that.
Academia Joins the Push
Naomi Goulder, Deputy Dean of Northeastern University London, welcomed QBase as an example of academia and industry working hand in hand. She emphasized that the project will provide students and researchers with meaningful exposure to the realities of commercial AI development.
Goulder said the initiative represents the kind of partnership needed to train the next generation of AI leaders. She said, by embedding students and researchers in an environment where ideas are tested against real-world challenges, the university will accelerate both learning and innovation.
She added that Northeastern’s London campus will benefit from QBase’s collaborative networks, which connect research with entrepreneurship and enhance connections to the university’s global network of campuses.
Looking forward, Goulder suggested that London’s ability to align education with enterprise could become a model for other cities seeking to compete in the AI and quantum fields. If successful, QBase will not only strengthen London’s ecosystem but also demonstrate how academic institutions can play a direct role in commercial and technological leadership.
