Imperial News

Quantum R&D is more than just Qubits and Quantum Computers!

by Claudia Cannon

Professor Sir Peter Knight talk gave a talk at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in October 2020.

Professor Sir Peter Knight is Senior Research Investigator at Imperial College London, and gave a talk entitled Quantum R&D is more than just Qubits and Quantum Computers! 

Abstract

The UK through a mix of government and industry funding has committed more than £1Bn over 10 years to a coordinated programme in quantum technology. Six years into this programme Sir Peter will describe here how we got there, and our goals for the future. The UK National Quantum Technology Programme has induced a step change in the UK’s capabilities for pushing forward a new sector in future information technologies. We describe how the programme arose and the activities it supported and influenced to deliver these new capabilities, building on a first phase almost £480M investment across several UK government agencies. The UK programme now enters its second phase [1], with a further substantial investment by UK government and global industries in the UK making a total of over £1Bn. Peter will also describe the plans (and what is going on in this exciting area outside of the UK) for ensuring the advanced quantum science and demonstrator platforms in imaging, sensing, communications and computing developed over the past five years will drive the formation of the QT sector and embed quantum tech in a broad range of industries. Finally, Peter will highlight the need to raise awareness of the developments and the need for engineering and technology engagement in the rapidly emerging Quantum Sector.

References
1. “Blackett Review: The Quantum Age: technological opportunities.”
Government Office for Science

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