Five new quantum hubs are set to receive millions of pounds in government funding in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, and London. These hubs will bring together researchers and businesses to focus on areas like quantum sensing, networking, and positioning. Managed by UKRI EPSRC, the investment of £106m will come from various organizations including EPSRC, UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Charlotte Deane, CEO of EPSRC, believes that quantum technologies will revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to infrastructure and computing. The hubs include the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub, UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Integrated Quantum Networks Quantum Technology Hub, Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations, and UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position.
Each hub will focus on different aspects of quantum technology, such as disease diagnosis, brain scanning, quantum internet, quantum computing, and positioning systems for critical infrastructure. Secretary of state Peter Kyle hopes that these hubs will bridge the gap between ideas and practical solutions, accelerating innovation that can transform sectors like healthcare and security, ultimately benefiting the UK economy.
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology emphasizes the government’s commitment to improving people’s lives through investments in quantum technologies. Business leaders, like Paul Henninger from KPMG UK, believe that this funding will help unlock the potential of quantum technology, leading to new markets and economic growth. This investment is seen as a step closer to realizing the transformative power of quantum technology in various sectors.