UK Launches Five Quantum Tech Hubs to Drive Innovation

An article recently published in the UK Research and Innovation website reported the launch of five quantum technology hubs in the United Kingdom (UK). These hubs will ensure that the country benefits from quantum technology’s potential in diverse fields, ranging from computing and healthcare to critical infrastructure and national security.

Background

The UK has recently launched five quantum technology hubs with the objective of building a future where everyday lives can be improved by harnessing cutting-edge science. These hubs will support the deployment of quantum technology in various sectors by bridging the gap between practical solutions and brilliant ideas.

They will transform sectors like security, healthcare, and energy, resulting in secure critical infrastructure from hostile threats and faster disease diagnoses. Additionally, these hubs will create an accelerated innovation culture that assists in the economic growth of the country.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is delivering those hubs with a £106 million investment from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), EPSRC, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and Medical Research Council ( MRC). The UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED) is supported by the NIHR, MRC, and BBSRC investment. Industry collaboration is the core element of all hubs.

The UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT)

Led by the University of Glasgow, the QEPNT hub intends to develop quantum technologies that will be crucial for critical infrastructure and national security, and for sectors like agriculture, maritime, finance, autonomous and connected vehicles, and aerospace. These include light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors and atomic clocks, providing resilient navigation, positioning, and timing.

Quantum-enabled, lighter, and smaller devices developed at the QEPNT hub could be used in new applications in other sectors, such as underground transport, railways, and roads, to enhance pathfinding systems by replacing the existing global positioning system (GPS) positioning technologies .

Additionally, quantum technologies could upgrade submarines’ positioning systems to allow them to operate for a long duration/months without requiring to surface for reconnecting with satellites, and enable enhanced indoor navigation on mobile devices.

Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3)

The QCI3 hub, hosted by the University of Oxford, aims to develop technologies required for the UK to play a vital role in quantum computer development. Researchers will work closely with industry partners to develop and identify real-world quantum computing applications, including focusing on design for novel materials, chemicals, machine learning, and fluid simulation techniques.

For instance, the hub will focus on developing quantum machine learning protocols that are critical for quantum neural network development. These neural networks have applications in areas like fraud detection.

Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Quantum Technology Research Hub

The IQN hub, led by Heriot-Watt University, will commence research by focusing on the ultimate quantum internet goal, where quantum networks interlinked globally connect several quantum computers to generate huge computational power.

These networks will harness quantum physics’ unique properties like quantum memory and entanglement. Additionally, the networks’ design will ensure future-proof distributed quantum sensing applications and secure quantum communications, and secure future quantum computing service access.

UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT)

The QuSIT hub, hosted by the University of Birmingham, intends to overcome the major research barriers to quantum timing, imaging, and sensing being utilized at scale. This will have implications in diverse sectors, ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to security and transport.

For instance, quantum brain scanners and quantum microscopy will improve epilepsy and dementia investigation and measure cancer diagnostic biomarkers, respectively. similarly, quantum clocks and quantum cameras will improve radar systems for better utilization of future airspace and detect hidden objects and gas leaks, respectively.

Quantum sensing of magnetic and gravity fields will enhance the capacity and resilience of critical infrastructure. The QuSIT hub will closely coordinate with industry to develop people and skills, creating future leaders. Additionally, the hub will create a pathway to extensive production and utilization of quantum technologies, accelerating societal and economic benefits.

The UK Q-BIOMED

The Q-BIOMED, ​​led by the University of Cambridge and UCL, aims to revolutionize early disease diagnosis by exploiting the advancements in quantum sensors that can detect molecules and cells orders of magnitude more sensitively compared to conventional diagnostic tests.

This includes the development of sensors measuring tiny magnetic field changes in the brain that have the potential to detect early Alzheimer’s disease markers before the occurrence of symptoms; and quantum-enhanced blood tests for cheaply and quickly diagnosing cancer and infectious diseases using portable instruments.

Other studies will include quantum-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, heart scanners, and treatment and surgical interventions for hard-to-treat and early-stage cancers. Overall, the UK aims to lead in quantum technology by establishing five hubs focused on developing practical applications in sectors like security, healthcare, and energy, to improve everyday lives and boost the economy.

Journal Reference

Five hubs launched to ensure the UK benefits from quantum future (Online) Available at https://www.ukri.org/news/five-hubs-launched-to-ensure-the-uk-benefits-from-quantum-future/ (Accessed on 08 August 2024)

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