UK launches five quantum technology centres to drive innovation

An article recently published in Research and Innovation in the UK website announced the launch of five quantum technology centers in the United Kingdom (UK). These centers will ensure that the country benefits from the potential of quantum technology in areas ranging from computing and healthcare to critical infrastructure and national security.

Background

The UK recently launched five quantum technology centres, which aim to build a future where everyday life can be improved by using cutting-edge science. These centres will support the implementation of quantum technology across sectors, combining practical solutions with brilliant ideas.

They will transform sectors such as security, healthcare, and energy, leading to safer critical infrastructure from hostile threats and faster disease diagnoses. In addition, these centers will create a culture of accelerated innovation that will help the country’s economic development.

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

UK Quantum-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Centre (QEPNT)

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

The lighter and smaller quantum-enabled devices developed at QEPNT could find new applications in other sectors, such as underground transportation, rail and road construction, to improve pathfinding systems by replacing existing GPS positioning technologies.

Additionally, quantum technologies could improve submarine positioning systems, allowing them to operate for long periods of time, such as months, without having to surface to reconnect with satellites, as well as enable improved indoor navigation using mobile devices.

Quantum Computing Center via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3)

Hosted by the University of Oxford, QCI3 aims to develop the technologies necessary for the UK to play a key role in the development of quantum computers. Scientists will work closely with industrial partners to develop and identify real-world applications of quantum computers, including a focus on the design of new materials, chemicals, machine learning and fluid simulation techniques.

For example, the hub will focus on developing quantum machine learning protocols, which are critical to the development of quantum neural networks. These neural networks have applications in areas such as fraud detection.

Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Quantum Technology Research Center

The IQN centre, led by Heriot-Watt University, will begin research with the ultimate goal of creating a quantum internet, in which globally connected quantum networks will link several quantum computers to generate massive amounts of computing power.

These networks will leverage unique properties of quantum physics, such as quantum memory and entanglement. In addition, the network design will enable future distributed quantum sensor applications and secure quantum communication, and secure access to future quantum computing services.

UK Centre for Quantum Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT)

The QuSIT centre, hosted by the University of Birmingham, aims to overcome major research barriers to large-scale quantum timing, imaging and sensing, with implications across sectors from infrastructure and healthcare to security and transport.

For example, quantum brain scanners and quantum microscopy will improve the study of epilepsy and dementia and measure diagnostic biomarkers of cancer. Similarly, quantum clocks and quantum cameras will improve radar systems to better use future airspace and detect hidden objects and gas leaks.

Quantum sensing of magnetic and gravitational fields will increase the capacity and resilience of critical infrastructure. The QuSIT Center will work closely with industry to develop people and skills, creating future leaders. Additionally, the center will create a path to widespread production and use of quantum technologies, accelerating societal and economic benefits.

British Q-BIOMED

The Q-BIOMED project, led by the University of Cambridge and UCL, aims to revolutionise early disease diagnosis by harnessing advances in quantum sensors that can detect molecules and cells with orders of magnitude greater sensitivity than conventional diagnostic tests.

This includes developing sensors that measure tiny changes in the brain’s magnetic field, which could potentially detect early markers of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms develop, and quantum-enhanced blood tests that could cheaply and quickly diagnose cancer and infectious diseases using portable devices.

Other research will include quantum-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, heart scanners, and treatments and surgical interventions for difficult-to-treat and early-stage cancers. Overall, the UK aims to lead the way in quantum technology by establishing five centres focused on developing practical applications in sectors such as security, healthcare and energy to improve everyday life and boost the economy.

Journal Reference

Five hubs launched to ensure 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 8 August 2024)

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