The National Quantum Computing Centre focuses on cloud access for quantum

As we begin to commercialize the first quantum technologies in the coming years, cloud is going to offer one significant way to improve access, especially for businesses looking to experminent with this technology. Indeed, techUK hashighlighted the criticallity of quantum cloud for commercialisation in our Quantum Commercialisation Report. 

At the the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), in an effort to spur new research avenues centred on the application of quantum computing, they have announced a new partnership with IBM that will grant UK researchers cloud access to IBM Quantum's Premium Plan of quantum computing systems. The aim of this being for The NQCC to enable the UK to address some of society's most complex challenges by maximising the potential of quantum computing.

The new programme from the NQCC is co-sponsored by both the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), with the united goal of broadening the UK's horizon for new research possibilities. The programme will enable the UK academic, research and public sector communities to benefit substantially by providing proof of concept projects, credible studies, and discovery-led science. Additionally, with the DSIT's recently published National Quantum Strategy and the commitment of a £2.5 billion in investment, it seems now is a better time than ever for industries across the UK to explore the possibilities of quantum computing.

NQCC's director Dr Michael Cuthburt expressed how the UK’s future of research can be aided by quantum computing, “The agreement with IBM will enable the NQCC to provide utility-scale quantum computing resources for the UK’s vibrant research community, which will open up new avenues of fundamental and applied research, with the prospect of boosting the development of novel technologies and drive new discoveries.”

The NQCC intends to help the UK to become a quantum-ready nation and reap the full benefits of quantum computing. It will serve to increase access to quantum computing resources for UK-based users by providing skill development and hands-on experience of working with quantum-computing via their SparQ programme: 

The full article from IBM can be read here.

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]

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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.

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.techuk.org/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/

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