The UK Government Invests £14m in Quantum Sensing Projects
The UK government has recently announced funding for 14 projects totaling £14 million through Innovate UK’s Quantum Sensing Mission Primer awards. These projects aim to support the development of next-generation sensors that could have applications in healthcare, transport, and defence.
The funding announcement coincides with the National Quantum Technologies Showcase, which brought together thousands of researchers, investors, and global policymakers in London. The government sees this event as a crucial step in unlocking the vast potential of quantum technologies to drive economic growth, address major challenges in health and climate, and promote national renewal.
Some of the projects funded include a portable eye scanner that could potentially replace large and expensive optical coherence tomography machines used in hospitals, as well as a new type of sensor that enables civil engineers to detect buried structures without costly excavation works.
In addition to project funding, the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. This MoU aims to facilitate collaboration in quantum computing research and talent exchange between the two countries.
Furthermore, with £30 million in support from Innovate UK, seven quantum computing testbeds have been established at the National Quantum Computing Centre. These testbeds will allow businesses to demonstrate and validate new quantum computing technologies.
Earlier this week, the National Metrology Institute – Quantum was launched at the National Physical Laboratory. The UK plays a significant role in this quantum research and development partnership across the G7 and Australia.
Science Minister Patrick Vallance emphasized the transformative impact of quantum technologies, stating, “Quantum technologies are changing the world – from ultra-sensitive sensors for disease diagnosis to the potential of quantum computers that can perform calculations at a speed far beyond today’s capabilities.” The UK government’s funding and agreements aim to support the growth of this critical sector throughout the country.
One notable initiative is the Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, collaborating with the University of Strathclyde to apply quantum computing and sensing in nuclear science and technology. Additionally, the government has invested £300,000 to revive the Scotland-California quantum and photonics partnership, fostering collaboration among researchers from various universities.
As part of the industrial strategy, the UK has allocated £670 million for quantum computing, with the goal of developing quantum computers that surpass conventional supercomputers by 2036. UKQuantum, the industry body for quantum computing in the UK, praised the government’s commitment to advancing quantum technologies.
Jonathan Legh-Smith, executive director of UKQuantum, highlighted the UK’s leading position in quantum technology development, with companies making significant advancements in sensing, imaging, clocks, and computing across various sectors such as transport, finance, telecommunications, and defence.
