Is the chancellor of the UK, Jeremey Hunt, about to light the blue touch paper and ignite quantum computing in the UK? The Telegraph reports that the chancellor will “… use this week’s Autumn Statement to unveil quantum computing ‘moonshots’ to ensure the leadership of what is seen as a nationally critical technology”. In news that will excite those in the industry as well as those who have been calling for a bigger push into “big” science projects that the United Kingdom was known for, such as its work on Nuclear Fusion, Genetics, and Health-related pursuits
Quantum Projects for the UK
According to the Telegraph, it is expected that Hunt will outline multiple projects worth hundreds of millions and the quest to build a national supercomputer within a decade. There is already a burgeoning quantum computing ecosystem in the UK, and we have published a variety of UK Quantum Companies that are developing quantum computers. The UK is growing all aspects of the Quantum Computing Stack from Qubits to Consultancy.
“Impressive progress has been made during the first 10 years of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, and the government’s commitment of a further £2.5 billion investment over the next decade will accelerate the UK’s successful co-investment model. For example, Riverlane led a seven-company consortium to successfully deliver a project called NISQ.OS. Starting in 2019 the government, via Innovate UK, invested £7.5 million in the project. The seven partner companies subsequently generated a further £176 million. That 25x return on investment – more than double the initial forecast – is something to be very proud of. Over the next ten years, the UK must focus on developing the next generation of ‘error-corrected’ quantum computers here in the UK. Quantum error correction is the critical technology that will enable these machines to scale to achieve their incredible potential”.
Steve Brierley, CEO and founder at quantum error correction company Riverlane
There is also likely the fear of quantum-enabled security issues, which could jeopardize current security systems. The announcement is thought to cover a range of technologies, such as quantum clocks, quantum sensors, imaging, and financial trading systems.
National Quantum Computer Efforts
Around the globe, national efforts are to build a quantum computer that can be truly useful. With so much potential at stake, countries like America, China, Germany, and more are all working to grow their Quantum ecosystem.
The Quantum 20 UK index showcases twenty leading quantum technology companies in the United Kingdom, offering a spectrum of innovations from quantum computing hardware and software to security and communications solutions. Among these, Quantinuum combines Cambridge’s software with Honeywell’s hardware to scale quantum computing, while Oxford Quantum Circuits develops advanced quantum computers and offers Quantum Computing as-a-Service. Universal Quantum aims to create practical quantum computers using microwave-trapped ion technology. KETS Quantum Security and PQShield focus on quantum-secured communications and post-quantum cryptography, respectively. Riverlane is advancing quantum simulation for material and drug discovery, and Oxford Instruments provides technology for quantum device fabrication. M Squared offers quantum products for global markets, ORCA Computing develops quantum memory technology, and Quantum Motion Technologies innovates in scalable qubit arrays. These companies are part of a thriving UK quantum sector addressing critical challenges across various industries.
