The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) offers a program called Measurement for Quantum, providing up to 20 days of free quantum measurement expertise to help businesses overcome challenges. The program aims to bridge the gap from technology prototype to industry-ready product or service. Over two-thirds of participating companies have reported increased commercial opportunities as a direct result of their involvement. Notable participants include Xiao Ai, Co-founder and CTO at QLM Technology, and David Cruickshank, Principal Engineer at Metrosol Ltd. The program is part of NPL’s efforts to make the UK a leader in the industrialization of quantum technology.
The Quantum Measurement Initiative: Bridging the Gap from Prototype to Product
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has launched a program called Measurement for Quantum (M4Q), which offers up to 20 days of free specialist quantum measurement expertise to businesses. The aim of this initiative is to help companies transition from technology prototypes to industry-ready products or services.
The M4Q program has already shown promising results. More than two-thirds of the companies that have participated in the program have reported an increase in their commercial opportunities as a direct result of their M4Q project. Additionally, half of the respondents expect to see increased sales in new or existing markets. The program is designed to support innovation by helping companies bring new products to market quickly and reliably, thereby instilling the confidence required for investment.
The Impact of Quantum Measurement on Business Innovation
One of the beneficiaries of the M4Q program, Xiao Ai, Co-founder and CTO at QLM Technology, praised the initiative for its effectiveness. According to Ai, the program introduced his company to measurement possibilities they hadn’t considered, delivering significant value to their new product’s calibration and ongoing R&D. He also expressed optimism about the long-term commercial success of their product, attributing it to NPL’s expertise and access to a wide range of cutting-edge measurement options.
How the Measurement for Quantum Program Works
The M4Q program aims to boost resilience and competitiveness by bringing together leading quantum scientists, engineers, and facilities to address problems in innovative ways. As the UK’s National Metrology Institute with a strong quantum capability, NPL is uniquely positioned to provide the independent testing required by the sector.
The program is designed to help the UK become an international leader in the industrialisation of quantum technology and increase the speed of return on investment for businesses and the government. NPL can provide measurements, consultancy, and advice in various areas of quantum technology, including timing, sensing, communications, materials, computing, and electrical metrology.
Eligibility and Application Process for the M4Q Program
To be eligible to apply for the M4Q program, a company must be registered at Companies House in the UK and within its Minimal Financial Assistance allocation, which refers to less than £315,000 of government funding over a rolling three-year financial period. The M4Q program does not support standard measurement and test services available commercially by NPL or other suppliers.
The application process for the M4Q program is straightforward and can be completed via a single online form.
The Role of Quantum Measurement in Developing Disruptive Technologies
David Cruickshank, Principal Engineer at Metrosol Ltd, another beneficiary of the M4Q program, highlighted the importance of the program in providing robust evidence to back up their commercial claims. The guaranteed performance figures they now have are a critical step on their route to developing a truly disruptive technology. Cruickshank emphasized that they could not have achieved this on their own, and the detailed results from this work are already helping them to increase commercial opportunities in new markets.
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