UK National Quantum Technologies Programme
The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme is a programme set up by the UK government to translate academic work on quantum mechanics, and the effects of quantum superposition and quantum entanglement into new products and services. It brings UK physicists and engineers together with companies and entrepreneurs who have an interest in commercialising the technology.
The "second quantum revolution"
The "second quantum revolution", or "quantum 2.0" is a term that is often used to describe quantum technologies based on superposition and entanglement. Originally described in a 1997 book by Gerard J. Milburn, which was then followed by a 2003 article by Jonathan P. Dowling and Gerard J. Milburn, as well as a 2003 article by David Deutsch. These technologies use equipment such as highly stabilised laser systems, magneto-optical traps, cryogenic cooled solid state devices, ion traps and vacuum systems to create, manipulate and then use quantum effects for a number of different purposes. These include: quantum information processing, such as quantum computing, quantum simulation, quantum secure communications, quantum sensing and metrology and quantum imaging, and are widely believed to offer capabilities that will out-perform existing and future classical technologies.The programme has contributed to the vast number of quantum technologies start-ups within the UK. Examples include Orca Computing, Universal Quantum, Oxford Ionics, Delta g and Cerca Magnetics.
Vision
The vision of the UK National Quantum Technologies programme is to "create a coherent government, industry and academic quantum technology community that gives the UK a world-leading position in the emerging multi-billion-pound new quantum technology markets, and to substantially enhance the value of some of the biggest UK-based industries."History
In 2013, a group of key stakeholders were brought together by DSTL at Chicheley Hall. The UKNQTP was then initiated by a £270 million investment by the UK Chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne in the Autumn Statement 2013. In addition to this, the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory separately announced a £30 million investment into a programme to produce demonstrator devices.Organisation and governance
The primary focus of the UKNQTP are five 'hubs' for quantum technologies:- The UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub, led by University College London.
- UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing, led by the University of Birmingham.
- Integrated Quantum Networks Quantum Technology Research Hub, led by Heriot-Watt University.
- Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations, led by the University of Oxford.
- The UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing, led by the University of Glasgow.
- Quantum hub for Networked Quantum Information Technologies, led by the University of Oxford.
- Quantum Hub for sensors and metrology, led by the University of Birmingham
- Quantum Communications Hub, led by the University of York
- Quantum Computing & Simulation Hub led by the University of Oxford
- QuantIC: Quantum hub for quantum enhanced imaging, with a central team at the University of Glasgow
The programme is delivered by several UK public bodies: UK government Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, EPSRC, STFC, Innovate UK, Dstl, NPL, GCHQ and Innovate UK Business Connect.