The ‘entangled’ wonders of quantum on display at the sector’s flagship UK tech showcase

From climate modelling to cutting-edge medical imaging, secure encryption to quantum computing, the possibilities afforded by quantum technologies is truly mind blowing. Over 1,200 delegates battled Storm Ciarán to get a glimpse of some of the 80 exhibitors who filled the show floor at London’s Business Design Centre, and to hear from some of the inspiring leaders from this emerging industry. The live show was also supplemented by an online audience giving virtual access to anyone with an interest in quantum tech.

Some of the speakers included: Tom Newby from the Office for Quantum, Jonathan Legh Smith from UK Quantum, Elham Kashefi from the National Quantum Computing Centre and Tim Spiller from the Quantum Communications Hub.

Opening the day, the Science Minister, George Freeman MP, gave the keynote address to a packed auditorium where he outlined the government’s record and ambition to support this thriving, investment-attractive sector.

“This is my third Quantum Showcase and they get bigger, better, more global and exciting every year” he said.

“We’re in the process of polishing and refining a series of missions in computing, networking, PNT [Position, Navigation and Timing], in sensing and imaging, in encryption and in standards. There’s a big opportunity for the UK in setting the first regulatory standards and we see that as a really important part of setting the global framework.”

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation also spoke, saying: “We have in the UK a unique opportunity in the existence of UKRI as a fully joined up funder, catalyser and convener of the research and innovation community. Our role is to link these kinds of transformative technologies right across our economy, connecting the extraordinary research base that we have in fundamental discovery science through to the incredible range of applications that are possible in Quantum. That’s the goal for UKRI – to connect discovery to prosperity for public good as quickly as possible.”

Continuing she said: “Innovate UK have invested over £200m of grants, leveraging up to £550m of co-investment with 180 companies collaborating and innovating in the field. All of this is happening at a time when transformative technologies are moving way up the government agenda.

“The creation of DSIT is a fantastic opportunity to align the multiple things you need to bring these technologies rapidly into our economy; investment in R&D, private sector investment, regulation, public sector procurement, skills and infrastructure.”

The showcase came on the same day as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) made a series of announcements including:

• Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) funding worth over £10 million for 6 projects to accelerate the development of components and systems for quantum network technologies to transform the way in which we distribute, secure, and process our information to meet the challenges of our increasingly complex data economy.
• Over £4 million to strengthen collaborative research and development through Canada-UK partnerships to develop real-world quantum technologies for commercial use. 11 projects will focus on developing quantum networking, sensing, and scalable solutions to quantum computing alongside developing the supply chain.

If you want to learn more about the UK Quantum Technologies Challenge, click here.

Join the Innovate UK KTN quantum community and find out more.

Another date for your diary

As the annual UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase draws to a close, here’s another date for your diary. Join us in London on 23-24 April 2024 for the Materials Research Exchange (MRE). An opportunity not to be missed, this dynamic 2-day discovery into the world of materials innovation will feature a vibrant and interactive exhibition, an investor showcase, and cross-cutting seminars on technology transfer from the UK’s world-class research base.

Expressions of interest for sponsorship and exhibitor packages are now open.