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The UK is investing more than £500 million in emerging technologies based on quantum physics, which experts say could transform economic and national security.
Government support will be welcomed in line with questions about what will invest £2.5 billion over a decade in place of an ambitious conservative pledge in 2023, projecting the UK as a global leader in quantum technology.
Supporters of the quantum industry say it could potentially change the region, from discovering advanced industrial materials to imaging the human body. Quantum computers provide routes to improve communication security, and may be able to break traditional encryption methods for a day.
“Building the capabilities of sovereign quantum computing is important for both national security and economic resilience,” said Gerald Mullally, interim CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits, Quantum Computing Company.
According to those familiar with the issue, the government’s four-year investment in quantum computing is expected to be announced on Monday as part of a broader industrial strategy. That announcement is likely to be followed by news of more money in quantum technology, adding to initiatives such as the £100 million released for five new research hubs last year. Last year, with the launch of the National Quantum Computing Center, Backing Dovetail became a host machine “designed to push the boundaries of technology’s possible.”
Quantum reviewed what Labour had reviewed since taking office last July and then looked into whether funds were available, and was one of several science and technology strategies announced later in the last conservative government.
Quantum technology utilizes a method in which the behavior of matter at the scale of atoms and their constituent particles is very different from the physics of everyday objects we experience.
Quantum sensing is being tested as a possible way to find London’s underground trains more accurately. Quantum imaging is being developed to scan brain health, including early signs of dementia.
Tom Grigner, chief executive of the Institute of Physics, said Quantum Technologies “will be as much a game changer for humanity as artificial intelligence and the Internet.”
“The advantage (in the UK) cannot slip. Governments must recognize Quantum as a national priority, like AI, data and green energy,” says Grinyer. “If we don’t invest, others will. And we risk being left behind in the post-cantim world.”
Another driving force of government interest is the sale of UK quantum-centric companies to US companies. Both the acquisition of Oxford Ionics and the quantum computing arm of Oxford Instruments were announced this month.
Minister of Science, Patrick Balance, previously spoke about the importance of innovative British science and tech companies expanding independently.
Richard Murray, co-founder and CEO of ORCA Computing, a quantum machine developer, said official UK funding was important as it was “not as good as ever” to maintain sovereignty in the sector.
“The global race in quantum computing has reached prime time and we have seen several other countries make a significant commitment to seizing share in this future market,” Murray said.
