Funding boost for quantum hubs to develop security systems

Five new hubs to develop practical use of quantum technology in areas like medical scanners, secure communication networks, and next-generation positioning systems have received £100 million in government funding.

The hubs will be based across the UK, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, and London.

Announced by the science secretary Peter Kyle, the hubs will bring researchers and businesses together to use their scientific expertise and talent alongside the commercial know-how and resources to develop groundbreaking quantum technologies that will directly impact people’s lives in areas like healthcare, security, and clean energy.

The government said the new innovations in quantum will not only help deliver their mission to kickstart economic growth by creating new technologies in hubs that can be sold and exported to drive up GDP, but by innovating in the science and technology industry, it will support the delivery of their mission to rebuild Britain with future-proofed cyber security systems.

The science secretary made the announcement on a visit to the University of Glasgow, who will lead one of the hubs aiming to develop quantum technologies for resilient position, navigation and timing systems in national security and critical national infrastructure. 

This technology can offer enhanced accuracy and reliability in sectors including aerospace, autonomous vehicles, finance, maritime, and agriculture. The hub will also develop smaller, lighter devices that use quantum technology. These devices could be used in transportation systems like roads, railways, and underground networks by replacing GPS and improving systems that help vehicles find their way.

Thse hubs will explore technologies crucial for national security. This could see aircraft operating with improved positioning systems that are resistant to GPS jamming, or submarines able to operate for extended periods without relying on satellites. Additionally, research into a ‘quantum internet’ could create secure and future-proof communication networks, safeguarding sensitive data and communications infrastructure – helping protect citizens and the economy.

Kyle 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."

These five new hubs will be led by leading universities across the UK and will work closely with industry partners. This collaboration ensures that research translates into real-world applications that benefit the public. 

One of the Quantum Technology Hubs includes the Integrated Quantum Networks hub at Heriot-Watt University

It aims to deliver the technologies for a future UK-wide ‘quantum internet’, enabling future-proof cybersecurity and powerful distributed quantum computing.