The government has committed more than £70 million to businesses working to make the UK a world-leader in quantum computing technology.

To coincide with a celebration of the UK’s record in developing quantum technology last week, science minister Amanda Solloway announced 38 new UK projects that will benefit from £70 million investment in the Quantum Technologies Challenge, led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The new projects aim to solve global challenges and address key industrial challenges, from developing batteries for electric vehicles, to innovating energy storage systems that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The projects involve over 80 companies and nearly 30 universities and research organisations across the UK, including the University of Glasgow, University College London and the National Physical Laboratory.

One project being led by Adaptix, a medical imaging company, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, will use enhanced imaging to allow surgeons to effectively differentiate between healthy tissues and tumours in cancer surgery.

In addition, Bristol-based startup QLM, in collaboration with BP and the National Grid, will use the funds to develop quantum enabled gas sensors that detect industrial leaks, helping to prevent natural gas being lost to the atmosphere and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Solloway said: “The UK is home to some of the world’s most advanced quantum technology companies tackling some of the most pressing challenges - from speeding up the diagnosis of cancerous tumours to detecting harmful gas leaks.

“I am delighted the government is able to provide this thriving sector with the backing it deserves - these projects will help to maintain the UK’s status as a world leader in quantum technology.”

The investment is part of a wider package delivered by The National Quantum Technologies Programme, which is set to see more than £1 billion of public and private investment over its lifetime.

The grants that have been awarded will be matched with over £30 million of private investment into the sector, driving the UK’s leading position in quantum technologies.

Roger McKinlay, challenge director, at UKRI, said: “Many of these projects have managed to start during lockdown which is very good news - the funding competitions were over-subscribed, illustrating the vibrancy and rate of growth of the UK’s emerging quantum technology sector.

“About one third of the projects concern quantum computing, demonstrating that the UK is becoming the go-to place for this game changing technology, with a growing community of thriving spin-outs, led by world-class teams," he continued.

"Quantum computers will be exponentially faster than classical computers at certain kinds of complex problems, solving in seconds what would take the best classical computers thousands of years.”

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