22 Jun 2022

Event round-up: techUK Quantum Report launch - commercialising quantum in the UK

On 24 May techUK launched its first ever Quantum Commercialisation report. Accompanying this, we held a launch event exploring how UK Government, industry and academia can work together to achieve quantum commercialisation in the UK, and ensure the UK becomes a world leader in quantum technologies

At this hybrid event, we were joined in person by a full panel of industry speakers followed by the opportunity to network in the techUK office. The panel of industry experts included:

Rachel Maze, Technology Strategy and Security, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Jonathan Legh-Smith, Principal, Scientific Affairs, BT
Piers Clinton-Tarestad, Partner, Quantum Computing Leader, EY
Glenn Manoff, Chief Marketing Officer, Riverlane
Laura Foster, Head of Programme, Technology and Innovation, techUK

You can watch the full panel here:

Please note the panel discussion starts at 09:30

techUK's Quantum Commercialisation report addresses all quantum technologies, from sensing, communications, security and computing as these technologies unlock lots of different use cases in the UK. Different technologies and use cases will mature at different speeds, and throughout this report we have tried to think inclusively about how the UK can support the variety of quantum hardware and software systems, and products and services, that will emerge in the coming years. These technologies do have overlapping areas of focus, such as skills, adoption and security.

To achieve this vision the following activities and interventions will be critical:

Ensuring access to quantum talent and developing quantum skills in the UK
Working with the UK tech sector to develop models of easy access to quantum technologies, including building pathways with other critical emerging technologies such as Cloud, HPC and AI that will be key for commercialisation
Promote international collaboration globally to help grow and develop opportunities for the UK sector, and protect the UK’s capabilities
Encourage public sector procurement of quantum to grow the quantum market, offer stability, and enable commercialisation
Ensure commercialisation and innovation is achieved in a responsible and ethical manner

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.