The UK is investing £106 million in five Quantum Technology Hubs to develop innovative systems for critical infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and improved indoor and underwater navigation. The hubs will harness quantum properties to provide unparalleled power and capacity for analysis at a molecular level, with revolutionary possibilities across healthcare, infrastructure, and computing. Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC Executive Chair, said the investment signifies a commitment to developing technologies that directly improve people’s lives.
The five hubs include the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, led by Professor Gerald Buller, which will establish a UK-wide quantum network; the Q-BIOMED Hub, co-directed by Professor Rachel McKendry, focused on health and societal good; the QEPNT Hub, led by Professor Douglas Paul, developing new forms of atomic clocks, quantum gyroscopes, and accelerometers; QuSIT, directed by Professor Michael Holynski, accelerating commercial development of quantum sensing devices; and the QCI3 Hub, directed by Professor Dominic O’Brien, advancing quantum computing applications.
UK Invests £106 Million in Quantum Technology Hubs to Revolutionize Healthcare, Security, and Infrastructure
In a significant boost to the UK’s quantum technology sector, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced a £106 million investment in five new Quantum Technology Hubs. These hubs will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that harness the power of quantum properties to transform industries such as healthcare, security, and infrastructure.
The five hubs, located at Heriot-Watt University, University of Oxford, University of Glasgow, and other institutions, will work together to foster innovation, support growth, and capitalize on the profound opportunities offered by quantum technology. The investment is expected to have a far-reaching impact on various aspects of society, from revolutionizing healthcare to bolstering national security.
Integrated Quantum Networks: Future-Proof Cybersecurity and Distributed Quantum Computing
The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub at Heriot-Watt University aims to deliver the technologies necessary for a future UK-wide “quantum internet.” This will enable future-proof cybersecurity and powerful distributed quantum computing, with applications in various industry sectors. According to Professor Gerald Buller, Director of the IQN Hub, this technology has the potential to impact all sectors, allowing for secure data communications, linking up quantum computers and sensors, and benefiting healthcare, materials research, artificial intelligence, and more.
Quantum Technology for Healthcare: Earlier Diagnosis and Cost-Effective Care
The Q-BIOMED Hub at University of Oxford is the first UK Quantum Research Hub dedicated to health. It will bring together researchers from academia, the NHS, charities, government, regulators, and industry to accelerate advances in quantum technology for human health and societal good. According to Professor Rachel McKendry, Co-Director of the Q-BIOMED Hub, this hub has the potential to benefit patients through faster access to life-saving treatment and the NHS through more cost-effective models of care.
Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation, and Timing: Bolstering National Security
The UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation, and Timing at University of Glasgow will create quantum-based positioning and navigation systems for critical infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and improved indoor and underwater navigation. According to Professor Douglas Paul, Project Lead for the QEPNT Hub, this technology has the potential to reduce the UK’s reliance on satellites, providing new ways to locally measure position, navigation, and timing, and bolstering national security.
Quantum Sensing and Imaging: Real Societal and Economic Benefits
The QuSIT Hub will accelerate the commercial development of quantum sensing, imaging, and timing devices, resulting in real societal and economic benefits. According to Professor Michael Holynski, Director of QuSIT, this hub looks forward to working closely with partners to ensure that quantum technologies deliver their best for society.
Quantum Computing: Advancing Materials Science, Chemistry, Finance, and Logistics
The QCI3 Hub will bring together industry, academia, and government partners to deliver new applications, ideas, and innovations that will advance the field of quantum computing. According to Professor Dominic O’Brien, Director of the QCI3 Hub, this hub will train a new generation of scientists and engineers, providing critical skills for a UK quantum economy.
The investment in these five Quantum Technology Hubs signifies the UK government’s commitment to developing technologies that directly improve people’s lives. By harnessing the power of quantum properties, these hubs have the potential to shape a safer, healthier, and more secure future for all.
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