The UK government has today unveiled a new package of measures worth up to £2 billion to establish the UK as a world leader in Quantum, from skills and talent to research and procurement programmes.
Responding to the announcement, Dr Dame Frances Saunders DBE CB FREng, Chair of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Quantum Infrastructure Review Working Group and member of the Quantum Technologies Strategic Advisory Board, said:
“Today’s announcement recognises that the UK has built a world class foundation in quantum technologies, across sensing, communications and computing, and that scaling technologies and adoption are now matters of urgency alongside continuing innovations that will underpin further development. The focus on procurement, commercialisation and applications to attract early users is what is needed at this stage. However, we cannot take our leading position for granted. Infrastructure that industry can access at scale, together with the capital to expand hardware, software development and manufacturing capacity, are also critical to how we accelerate the UK’s progress. While the additional £90 million for infrastructure is welcome, it will need to be targeted and sustained to make a material difference, and attract private investment. Other nations are moving quickly - but timely, coordinated action will help the UK convert its leadership in research into leadership in markets.”
