Quantum Leap: UK quantum tech showcases enormous progress at industry get-together

The technology, considered to be in its infancy, has made remarkable progress in recent years with more and more commercial products coming to the market. With applications across sensing and metrology, computing and simulation, communication and imaging, the possibilities to develop truly game-changing solutions in sectors such as energy, space and healthcare are endless.

The event, organised by Innovate UK KTN, in partnership with UK Research and Innovation, was opened by Science Minister George Freeman MP, who said the government was on a “mission to make the UK a science superpower” and noted that we needed to be more “dynamic, digital, faster, less bureaucratic, and better at attracting and retaining world-class talent.”

He also announced a new ‘global investment programme’ designed to promote Britain at home, and overseas, which will focus on three key technology areas in which the UK is seen as an exemplar; quantum technology, life sciences and space.

The showcase saw 60 exhibitors demonstrate their prototypes: from software for incredibly fast and powerful quantum computing, to quantum-enabled secure encryption to protect against new hacking techniques, quantum-boosted radar, and cutting-edge medical imaging tech.

Bob Cockshott, who leads on quantum for Innovate UK KTN, said: “Quantum is more than an emerging technology these days. It is a community in its own right which has seen extraordinary growth in the past decade, especially in the UK, thanks in part to the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme and organisations like Innovate UK KTN who are bringing this cross-sector community together. With the pace of change we’re seeing, I’m already excited for the 2023 showcase.”