Bringing quantum technologies into the real world
From tackling climate change to improving digital security, the UK is revolutionising multiple industries by harnessing the power of quantum technologies. The commercialising quantum technologies challenge at UK Research and Innovation has announced £6 million in funding split between 16 UK-based projects.
These projects will advance the commercialisation of quantum technologies in the UK and address one or more of the technical challenges below:
- connectivity
- seeing the invisible
- positioning, navigation and timing
- computing.
Building on the success of previous funding rounds these 16 projects have identified clear market opportunities for quantum technologies in the UK and have outlined an innovative project to help exploit it.
These projects are connecting companies from across the UK and will help to build and sustain the exciting quantum network developing in the UK as products move to market.
Real world benefits
One project sees previous funding winner, Bristol based start-up QLM, partnering with another start-up Phlux and University of Sheffield to improve QLM’s methane detection cameras.
With methane being 84 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, detecting leaks more efficiently could help dramatically cut environmentally damaging methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.
Another project led by Phasecraft Limited builds on the results of a previous Innovate UK funded feasibility study.
Joined by Rigetti UK and BT this new study aims to develop efficient algorithms and use cases for industrial optimisation.
Specifically focused on BT’s fixed and mobile networks, the project addresses optimisation to improve efficiency, capacity and the competitiveness of BT’s services.
Showcasing UK quantum technology
Commercialising quantum technologies challenge director, Roger McKinlay said: “From managing greenhouse gas emissions, pioneering new forms of digital security and developing new navigation systems, the UK is at the forefront of the emerging quantum industry. These 16 projects really showcase the strength and depth of UK quantum technology, our leading companies and their commercial potential. I look forward to seeing how these projects progress over the next 18 months.”
