Autumn budget good for quantum technology
9 Nov 2018 by Evoluted New Media
The Government is claiming a step forward on the path to becoming a ‘quantum superpower’ with a £235 million funding boost.
The money will be used to establish a new National Quantum Computing Centre, a quantum challenge to bring technology to markets and boost the economy, and new centres for doctoral training.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “There is a huge future for cutting edge science in the UK which is why we are investing in ambitious technologies, like quantum, in our modern Industrial Strategy.
“Quantum technology has already developed sensors that can visualise the invisible deep underground, and see round corners. It makes the impossible, possible and now we are backing UK innovators to continue this world-leading work.”
Forming part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy say their plans will allow the next generation of sensing, imaging, timing, navigation, communications and computing devices, using sub-atomic particles to take computing performance far beyond the abilities of existing ‘classical’ technologies.
The funding extends the National Quantum Technologies Programme, which has been in place since 2014. This is on top of the £80 million announced in September for the continuation of four quantum development hubs and means the UK’s programme will receive £315 million between 2019 and 2024.
Delivered through UK Research and Innovation, the individual projects being taken forward are:
- A new National Quantum Computing Centre to be established, that will provide the equipment and expertise necessary to develop the underlying technologies for workable, scalable machines; enable the development of software; and enable companies to exploit the insights they bring for competitive advantage.
- A Quantum Challenge that will seek to commercialise quantum technologies in industries across the economy.
- A new training and skills package, including Centres for Doctoral Training, that the Government hope will inspire people to consider careers uncovering the opportunities that will come with quantum technologies.
