31 Jan 2022

The UK envisioned as a global leader in quantum post-brexit in new policy document

In the new paper, The Benefits of Brexit: How the UK is taking advantage of leaving the EU the UK Government have announced their commitment to a new Quantum strategy in the UK. You can read more below

In the new paper, The Benefits of Brexit: How the UK is taking advantage of leaving the EU the UK Government have reiterated their commitment to developing a world leading quantum ecosystem in the UK.

The UK have been investing in quantum since 2014, with the formation of the National Quantum Technologies Programme. This programme has developed world leading strengths in quantum science and technology development by bringing together researchers, businesses and government.

This has enabled a thriving community of quantum startups, with over 40 startups in the UK have raising over £135 million in VC investment so far. This investment – which is being used to test and develop previously theoretical use cases; streamline and improve quantum hardware; and invest and nurture talent – will ultimately facilitate the commercialisation of quantum.

One significant success of the National Quantum Technologies Programme has been the new National Quantum Computing Centre in Oxfordshire. The Centre aims to provide a top-class environment for quantum technology to flourish in the UK.

This paper also makes key announcements to underscore this commitment to quantum commercialisation, most notably the announcement of a UK National Quantum Strategy to be published this year. This strategy will builds upon the importance of quantum in the UK’s Innovation Strategy, to support early-stage, innovative businesses; making the UK the most attractive place for global quantum talent; and making sure that our research and development institutions support businesses across the UK.

Alongside this announcement, the paper also emphasises how they will continue to work with the quantum sector to influence the quantum strategy. Events for the UK’s quantum community will be held in the coming weeks to dig deeper into the objectives and challenges of the strategy and will issue a call for evidence to ask for views and inform the development of the strategy. This work will continue to build on recent successes within the UK quantum sector and continue to grow this thriving community.

techUK have been showcasing the different opportunities quantum commercialisation will bring to the UK through the member-led Quantum Commercialisation Campaign.

This campaign explores how the technology sector can drive forward the commercialisation of quantum technologies; create a thriving quantum market for new products and services; and support the development of a world-leading quantum industry. Please do get in contact if you would like to find out more information and get involved.

You can read the paper 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]
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.