techUK has published a new report calling on the government to invest in quantum to help bring the technology to commercial viability in the UK.

The technology trade association said that the publication comes at a crucial time in the development of quantum technologies, as industry moves from research to roll out of primary use cases.

The organisation says that the technology can “play a formidable role” in enabling previously impossible technological advancement in drug discovery, protein-folding, carbon capture, and battery research.

“With the formidable role quantum technologies will play in enabling previously unattainable technological advancements in drug discovery, protein-folding, carbon capture, battery research and more, quantum will be key to unlocking the UK’s success as a science and technology superpower,” said Laura Foster, head of technology and innovation, techUK. “However, industry cannot do this alone – our first quantum report calls on UK Government and industry to set clear commercial ambitions together, giving UK-based and international businesses the confidence that the UK is a viable place to achieve commercial viability.”

techUK has urged the government and industry to ensure access to quantum talent and developing quantum skills in the UK and work with the UK tech sector to develop models of easy access to quantum technologies, including building pathways with other critical emerging technologies.

It also called for the promotion of international collaboration to help grow and develop opportunities for the UK sector and for the government to encourage public sector procurement of quantum to “grow the quantum market, offer stability, and enable commercialisation”.
“The advances being made in Quantum technology offer some of the most exciting opportunities in the innovation pipeline for the years ahead, potentially revolutionising everything from medical diagnostics and autonomous vehicles, to military navigation and cybersecurity,” said science minister George Freeman.“This report highlights just how important the commercialisation of quantum technology will be in unleashing the UK’s full potential as a science superpower, which is why it is a priority for this government as we work to develop the National Quantum Strategy.”

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