The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,
, officially opened UCL’s
new quantum laboratories at the university’s main campus in
Bloomsbury, saying they will provide a boost to the university’s
world-renowned research into the technology.
The new labs and cleanroom facilities are dedicated to research
in quantum technologies, funded through a combined investment of
£12 million, with support from the Engineering & Physical
Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Quantum
Technology Programme.
The labs will enable further research into quantum technologies
through offering tools for nano-fabrication and the measurement
of quantum devices at ultra-low temperatures.
The new facilities are part of the UCL Quantum Science and
Technology Institute (UCLQ) and the London Centre for
Nanotechnology. In addition to providing the critical research
and fabrication tools needed to develop quantum technologies in
the heart of London, these facilities will be an integral part of
UCL’s world-leading quantum technology training programmes.
Boosted by UK government investment into quantum technology to
date, industries such as transport, finance, aeronautical and
pharmaceutical are starting to consider how quantum computing
could revolutionise their businesses.
The facilities will help bring together global leaders in
academia, big industry and SMEs, accelerating the translation of
quantum technologies into the marketplace, and ensuring the UK
remains a world leader in quantum technology markets.
Professor John Morton (UCLQ) said: “We’re entering a hugely
exciting time for quantum technology in the UK. The new labs and
cleanroom will ensure that the UK’s universities continue to
provide the breakthroughs to advance the potential of these
technologies as well as support a new quantum startup industry to
develop them for commercial use.”
Digital Secretary, ,
said: “It was great to open UCL’s new
quantum laboratories which have benefitted from £12 million
investment from government. This facility will help the UK remain
a world leader in quantum technology and support the development
of cutting-edge science through our modern Industrial
Strategy.
"From giving students the tools they need to explore this
emerging technology to national programmes, we are extremely well
placed to realise the commercial and social benefits of this
groundbreaking innovation.”
Following a tour of the new labs, the Digital Secretary unveiled
a plaque for the Quantum Engineering using Solid State
Technologies (QUES2T) programme, through which the National
Quantum Technology Programme invested £8.5m towards the new labs.
UCL recently announced a Prosperity Partnership with Google,
through which researchers will study and develop quantum software
for modelling and simulation, helping to develop the foundation
of a quantum software industry in the UK.
The investment is part of the Government’s commitment to
investing 2.4 per cent of GDP into research and development
within the next ten years, with a long-term goal of three per
cent. QUES2T is led by UCL, with partners at the Universities of
Cambridge, Oxford, and Cardiff.
