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Connects decision-makers and solutions creators to what's next in quantum computing
UK Government Invests $57M in Quantum Sector
Projects target innovations in healthcare, energy and transport
2 Min Read
The majority of the funding is going towards building quantum testbeds for the NQCCNQCC
The U.K. Government has announced a $57 million investment to boost the quantum sector and drive breakthroughs in brain scanners, navigation systems and quantum computing.
NQCC Testbeds
A significant portion, $38 million, is intended for developing and delivering prototype quantum computers, providing scientists and engineers with a controlled environment for experimentation. This funding is provided by the U.K. Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and the U.K.’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).
The companies receiving funding for the NQCC testbeds and their project names are:
Orca Computing for Asteroidea – a flexible photonic quantum computing testbed for machine learning
Oxford Ionics for QUantum Advantage-Ready Trapped-Ion Exploration Testbed (QUARTET)
ColdQuanta for Scalable Quantum Atomic Lattice computing testbed (SQALE)
QuEra for “Towards an error-corrected neutral-atom quantum computer”
Rigetti for a full-stack superconducting 24-Qubit quantum computing testbed with tunable couplers and scalable control system
Aegiq for Advanced Research Testbed Manipulating PhotonIc States (ARTEMIS)
Quantum Motion for Silicon Cloverleaf
Quantum Catalyst Fund
Another $19 million from the Quantum Catalyst Fund is set to accelerate the use of quantum for different government policy areas. For example, in health care, quantum sensors could look for signs of epilepsy, concussion or dementia. In energy, quantum computers could help manage the electricity grid to support net-zero targets. In transportation, a smart navigation system for trains could use quantum sensors to save costs and enhance safety in tunnels.
The projects being funded and their lead companies are:
Quantinuum for “Quantum Simulations: A New Era for Actinide Chemistry”
MoniRail for “Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System for Condition Based Monitoring”
Cerca Magnetics for “Quantum-Enabled Brain Imaging: A Pathway to Clinical Utility”
DeltaG for Gravity Cartography Catalyst
Q-Ctrl for “Quantum optimized train schedules”
Phasecraft for “Quantum computing solutions for optimization problems in energy grids”
“As we steer towards an economy benefitting from quantum, this further £45 million ($57 million) in funding underscores our commitment to support bright U.K. innovators who are pushing boundaries and seizing the potential of this technology to transform our public services,” said science minister Andrew Griffith.
“Cutting-edge work on a quantum-enabled brain scanner, which will be a beacon of hope for those battling neurological conditions, is just one example.
“The U.K. is already one global leader in quantum and to maintain that position this government will continue to invest in this transformational technology propelling the U.K. into a new era of technological prowess and economic growth.”
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