A £10 million investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will establish the National Quantum Standards Network (QSN), with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) leading the effort to create quantum standards. This network aims to translate British research into commercially viable products for sectors including healthcare, transport, and finance, bolstering the UK’s position in a rapidly developing technological landscape. The QSN will coordinate standards ranging from laser precision within quantum computers to the reliability of quantum sensors, ensuring consistent and trustworthy measurements. Science Minister Lord Vallance stated that quantum technology could bring benefits to society comparable to those seen with artificial intelligence, potentially delivering new medicines, better public services, and protecting finances.
£10 Million Network Launched to Coordinate Quantum Technology Standards
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will establish the QSN, bringing together government, industry, and academia to ensure British products meet internationally recognized standards and can be confidently sold globally. This initiative extends beyond basic research, aiming to translate innovation into commercially viable applications across sectors like healthcare, transport, and finance, potentially adding £212 billion to the UK economy and creating up to 100,000 jobs. The network’s scope encompasses a wide range of technical considerations, from the precision of lasers used to control qubits within quantum computers to the energy efficiency required for reliable quantum sensors. Standards, already crucial for everyday technologies like mobile phones and secure data transmission, will accelerate the adoption of quantum technology and facilitate sensitive transactions for financial institutions worldwide.
Dr Peter Thompson, CBE, CEO at NPL, emphasized the importance of this coordinated effort, stating, “Standards are the backbone of responsible, scalable innovation.” The QSN’s establishment follows a recent vote of confidence in the UK’s quantum capabilities demonstrated by Vescent’s decision to locate its first office outside the US at NPL, further solidifying the nation’s position as a leader in quantum innovation and attracting international investment.
Quantum could bring benefits to our society as significant as what we are seeing with AI, with the potential to deliver new medicines, better public services, and protect our finances.
National Physical Laboratory to Establish National Quantum Standards Network
This network will address technical aspects like laser precision for qubit control, as well as broader considerations such as sensor size, weight, and energy efficiency to guarantee data reliability across different devices. As key decisions regarding international quantum standards are made in the coming years, the UK intends to lead the global conversation, giving British companies a long-term voice in defining these rules. The establishment of the QSN builds upon a previously announced £2 billion investment in quantum technologies, including £1.2 billion earmarked for procuring large-scale quantum computers, and reflects a broader strategy to secure the UK’s position in quantum innovation.
Peter Thompson, CBE, CEO at NPL, emphasized the network’s role in accelerating adoption and fostering ethical development. This commitment to standardization builds upon an existing £2 billion investment in quantum computing, including £1.2 billion.
