The five hubs will ensure the UK benefits from the potential of quantum technologies, from healthcare and computing to national security and critical infrastructure.
Applications include:
- the transformation of early disease diagnosis
- seeing the invisible such as gas leaks and hidden objects
- the creation of a ‘quantum internet’
- realising the potential of quantum computing
- resilient position, navigation and timing systems
Cutting-edge science
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle announced the new hubs, which are being supported by a £160 million investment, following a visit to the University of Glasgow, which will host one of the hubs.
He said:
We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives.
That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs, by supporting the deployment of technology that will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy for us all.
This isn’t just about research; it’s about putting that research to work.
These hubs will bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and practical solutions.
They will not only transform sectors like healthcare and security, but also create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.
£106 million investment
The hubs are delivered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with a £106 million investment from:
- EPSRC
- Biotechnology and Biological Research Council (BBSRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
The BBSRC, MRC and NIHR investment supports the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub.
Industry collaboration
Industry collaboration is a key element to all of the hubs, which leverage significant cash and in-kind contributions from partners worth more than £54 million.
Quantum technologies harness quantum physics to gain a functionality or performance which is otherwise unattainable, deriving from science which cannot be explained by classical physics such as Newton’s laws of motion or thermodynamics.
The University of Birmingham’s
UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT)
has been chosen
Led by: Professor Michael Holynski, University of Birmingham
Host university and partner support (cash and in-kind): £27.5 million
QuSIT aims to overcome the key research barriers to quantum sensing, imaging and timing being used at scale.
This will allow us to see the invisible, with demonstrations in sectors as diverse as healthcare, infrastructure, transport and security. Examples include:
- quantum brain scanners will enhance investigation of dementia and epilepsy
- quantum microscopy will measure biomarkers for cancer diagnostics
- quantum clocks will enhance radar systems to allow better use of future airspace
- quantum cameras will detect gas leaks and hidden objects
- quantum sensing of gravity and magnetic fields will increase resilience and capacity of critical infrastructure
The hub will also work closely with industry to develop skills and people, creating the leaders of tomorrow.
QuSIT will create a pathway to widespread use and manufacture of quantum technologies, accelerating economic and societal benefits.
Slingshot