Scotland will host a comprehensive series of quantum technology events throughout June and July 2025, collectively known as Quantum Fringe 2025. These events, primarily centred in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Isle of Skye, cover a broad spectrum of quantum research and application, from foundational quantum computing and security – including post-quantum cryptography and quantum networks – to machine learning, Hamiltonian simulations, and commercialisation opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme includes workshops, summer schools targeting researchers and students at various career stages, a quantum careers fair, hackathons, and public engagement activities addressing ethical considerations and responsible innovation within the field, alongside showcases of ongoing projects and collaborative initiatives between academia, industry, and government.
The festival actively cultivates expertise in quantum machine learning (QML) and Hamiltonian simulation, recognising their potential to accelerate materials discovery and optimisation problems relevant to cryptographic security. Hamiltonian simulation provides a pathway to model complex quantum systems crucial for designing and verifying post-quantum cryptographic protocols. The LMS Research School targets PhD students and early career researchers, fostering a strong mathematical foundation for these algorithms. This investment in talent development acknowledges the critical need for a skilled workforce to support commercialisation.
The festival champions a collaborative ecosystem, actively engaging industry leaders and academic experts in a challenge-led workshop format, specifically the AIMday Quantum Computing event, to identify use cases where quantum computing delivers measurable benefits. The festival’s structure supports industry engagement beyond isolated presentations, fostering a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving. This approach directly links academic research with industry needs, accelerating the development of commercially viable solutions and ensuring research efforts align with market demands.
The UK Quantum Hackathon designs a platform to connect aspiring developers with industry mentors, fostering practical solution development and accelerating the translation of research into deployable applications. This collaborative environment addresses real-world challenges faced by businesses, providing a testing ground for innovative quantum solutions and nurturing the next generation of quantum engineers.
The festival’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce is demonstrated through targeted recruitment and mentorship programmes. The festival also addresses responsible innovation through consideration of ethical implications and bias in algorithms. Furthermore, the festival recognises the importance of public understanding of quantum technologies and actively promotes outreach initiatives.
The festival’s sponsorship packages and community supporter initiatives demonstrate a commitment to fostering a sustainable environment for quantum technology innovation and commercialisation, attracting investment and support from both public and private sectors. The festival’s commitment extends to addressing the challenges of scaling quantum technologies and integrating them into existing infrastructure.
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