The arrival of quantum technology
Quantum technology is here—it’s not science fiction. It’s not some unknowable technology that requires access to knowledge beyond our comprehension. It is here, now.
As a country, we are at a pivotal moment. If we act proactively and optimistically—stepping into this new era with arms outstretched, unified, and driven to be a global leader in the way quantum technology is used, implemented, and responsibly applied—we will position ourselves to achieve innovation, growth, and contributions on the world stage unlike anything we have ever seen before.
The Quantum Age
The UK is at a critical juncture before the quantum age truly accelerates. The innovation that will result from this technology could reshape every aspect of our society.
We could become a scientific superpower, creating new materials that are used in every car, plane, boat, and spacecraft on the planet. Our existing strengths in materials science at universities such as Manchester, Cambridge, and Imperial College provide the perfect foundation for this leap forward.
We could create medicines that we couldn’t even dream of. Diseases we know today could be eradicated through incredibly specific, applied quantum technology alongside high-powered cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The UK’s pharmaceutical industry, already world-leading, stands to benefit enormously.
This is what is on the table when we talk about quantum technology. The UK is already stepping up, with initiatives like the National Quantum Computing Centre, innovative companies focusing on solving the quantum error correction challenge such as Riverlane, and Oxford Quantum Circuits making advances in hardware. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has established the Quantum Technologies and Innovation Directorate, a dedicated team focusing on the policy and strategy for responsible quantum development.
A Global Effort
However, we face fierce competition. The US has committed billions through the National Quantum Initiative, China is heavily investing in quantum communications, and the EU has launched its Quantum Flagship programme. To lead in this space, we must move decisively and strategically.
The US, in particular, acts in a venture capital-like capacity through initiatives such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These organisations actively seek out high-potential companies and projects, providing funding and support to accelerate innovation. For example, DARPA’s investments in early-stage quantum research have led to breakthroughs in quantum computing and sensing technologies, setting the US up for long-term success.
The Role of Innovate UK
Innovate UK already has significant funding available to organisations working in this space. Grants range from £25,000 to £10 million, and innovation loans of up to £1 million are available for late-stage research and development projects. These funds are accessible to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large multinationals.
However, we must proactively get this funding into the hands of companies at the frontier of this quantum age. We must act as a venture capital country, actively seeking out these companies and pushing them to achieve their goals. Accepting that some will fail, but others will succeed beyond our imaginations. This approach requires patience—quantum technologies won’t deliver all their returns within a single parliamentary term, but the long-term benefits will be transformative.
A Call to Action
My call to action for Innovate UK, DSIT, and any other government department with funding or an invested interest in this space: Don’t wait for companies to come to you—go and find them. Make the funding easy for them to access, remove the red tape and the burden on these companies, and act as a strategic investor betting on the UK’s ability to innovate and create. Invest in as many of these companies as you can today!
At the same time, fund university qualifications in quantum to a higher level over the next five years. Let’s build a full-stack quantum-skilled workforce unlike any other country on Earth. This must be paired with immigration policies that attract global quantum talent to our shores and retain the brilliant international students who study at our universities.
Supercharge our velocity in quantum technology across the board, and see the ripples of that investment lift every sector in our economy. Create specific quantum innovation zones where academia, startups, and established industries can collaborate with regulatory sandboxes to test new applications.
Share our wins on the world stage, and share back with the scientific community. But also develop a thoughtful intellectual property strategy that ensures the UK captures economic value from its innovations while contributing to global scientific progress.
Global Prosperity
Quantum technology has the potential to usher in a new age—a healthier, more prosperous society—and we can lead the way globally. By showing through action, demonstrating our determination, and supporting all nations to flourish as a result of our creations on the back of quantum technology.
I write this piece as an optimist, excited for the future and the amazing position we are in as a nation. Technology, as we have seen with AI, radically shifts society on a global scale. Let’s continue to lay the foundations for a successful quantum-enabled United Kingdom that leads the world into this new technological frontier.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
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techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
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techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotic & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
Running from September to November 2023, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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.
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- [email protected]
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025).
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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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Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
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Laura Foster
Laura Foster
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.
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- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
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