Innovation Minister Alyn will tell global industry leaders
that Scotland is the place to do quantum at a reception
showcasing the country's strengths in the rapidly growing sector.
Quantum technology is part of Scotland's Critical Technologies
Supercluster, which already supports more than 160 companies and
11,500 jobs, and is projected to grow to £10 billion turnover by
2035 creating a further 6,600 new jobs. In the last financial
year the Scottish Government committed £5 million to support
increased innovation and economic growth in advanced technology
areas where Scotland has the greatest potential to lead.
The sector uses quantum physics to build new kinds of technology
which can solve problems that conventional technology struggles
to overcome. For example, using subatomic particles to develop
advanced computers, sensors and communications systems. These are
set to revolutionise communications, security, computing, sensing
and imaging.
Addressing the Quantum Technologies Showcase Scottish Reception
at Edinburgh Castle tonight (Mon 2 Nov), Mr will highlight Scotland's unique
strengths to UK and international leaders from across the sector.
The Innovation Minister said:
Quantum is not a technology for one sector. It's a foundation for
the next generation of innovation.
For Scotland, quantum technologies have applications across
industries where we already excel from our space sector, helping
satellites navigate to life sciences, enabling faster drug
discovery and disease research. And in defence, improving sensing
and security, as well as optimising power networks in our energy
systems.
There is no doubt, Scotland is the place to do quantum. We are a
top five location globally for the quantum sector with 40% of the
UK's research in quantum technologies over the last decade taking
place here in our world-class universities, and Scottish
universities leading two of the UK's Quantum hubs while being
active in all five.
For centuries Scotland has punched above its weight in science
and innovation, and we intend to keep doing so in the quantum
era.
Background
Reception guests will include: Technology Scotland CEO Dr
Alastair McInroy; British Ambassador to Denmark Victoria Billing;
and delegates from across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific,
including business and finance representatives from companies
such as Fujitsu, Ericsson and Hitachi.
The event is happening ahead of the UK National Quantum
Technologies Showcase in London on November 6.
Scotland's Critical Technologies Supercluster is prioritised in
the National Innovation Strategy (2023) and includes Quantum,
Photonics, Semiconductors and Sensing.
Inside Scotland's Quantum
Ecosystem: From Capability to Strategic Edge - Qureca
Quantum-2023-Report.pdf
