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Researchers to find new commercial opportunities for
quantum technologies thanks to £94m Government
investment
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University of Sussex develops first piece of quantum
technology capable of seeing inside a car battery from
outside
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Government investment will support the work for a
further five years as it puts emerging technologies at the
heart of its modern Industrial Strategy
Quantum researchers will help get new technologies to market,
thanks to £94 million of Government investment.
From mapping underground conditions to simulating complex
molecules for drug design, Quantum Technology Hubs led by the
Universities of York, Glasgow, Birmingham and Oxford are
developing new applications for quantum technology. Government
investment will support this work for a further five years as it
puts emerging technologies at the heart of its modern Industrial
Strategy which aims to make the UK the world’s most innovative
economy.
The announcement comes as Science Minister visits the University of
Sussex. Quantum physicists at the university have
taken live images of the inside of a working
electric car battery from the outside for the first time, using
quantum magnetic sensing technology. The University of
Sussex is a key academic partner of both the Quantum Sensing Hub,
led by the University of Birmingham and the Quantum Computing
Hub, led by the University of Oxford.
Science Minister said:
“Harnessing the full potential of emerging technologies is vital
as we strive to meet our Industrial Strategy ambition to be the
most innovative economy in the world.
“Our world-leading universities are pioneering ways to apply
quantum technologies that could have serious commercial benefits
for UK businesses. That’s why I am delighted to be announcing
further investment in Quantum Technology Hubs that will bring
academics and innovators together and make this once futuristic
technology applicable to our everyday lives.”
The Quantum Technology Hubs are the route in for businesses to
access skilled experts that can help them to innovate for the
future. The hubs are already working with more than 200
businesses and 20 universities and this new support will see that
continue.
Investing in emerging technologies and building future sectors is
crucial to the success of the Industrial Strategy and
Government’s ambition to invest 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027.
By supporting new industries that boost productivity and
earning power across the country, these investments will ensure
Britain is at the forefront of technological change and home to
the businesses of tomorrow.
The announcement follows news during London Tech
Week 2019 that private and public investment through the
National Quantum Technologies Programme is set to pass £1 billion
since its inception in 2014.
