QuEST attend UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024

In November, QuEST attended the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024 to highlight the latest quantum research at Imperial College London.

The UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024 is organised by Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP). 

The showcase is an opportunity to interact with the latest quantum research and explore the UK's expanding commercial quantum technology landscape. The UK is home to approximately half of all quantum businesses in Europe.

Spotlight on QuEST

Members of the Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science, and Technology (QuEST) at Imperial College London presented their cutting-edge quantum research through interactive demonstrations and discussions with quantum experts, industry specialists and policymakers.

Their stand highlighted how Imperial could support the UK quantum sector through access to advanced fabrication and characterisation facilities, consultancy and research services, and training programs in physics, engineering, business, and deep technology development. There was also an opportunity to connect with Imperial alumni, many of whom have entered quantum careers after completing their undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

QuEST gathered insights on skills gaps and opportunities in the quantum sector, presenting findings from PhD student research into quantum careers. Additionally, participants shared plans for public engagement activities in 2025, aligned with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. 

Researchers also showcased a new teaching aid developed with QuEST postdoc seed funding awarded to Nathan Gemmell in 2024. Building on advancements published last year, the setup uses entangled photon pairs—one visible and one infrared. Changes in the infrared light can be detected through interference patterns in the visible light, allowing objects to be studied without directly detecting infrared photons. This setup simplifies complex quantum concepts, making them more accessible for teaching purposes.

With thanks to Dr Jess Wade (Lecturer, Department of Materials) and Dr Isabella von Holstein (Quantum Centre and Network Manager Maternity Cover, Department of Materials) for organising the showcase stand, and volunteers at the QuEST stand including: Professor Rupert Oulton (Physics), Felix Burt (Research Postgraduate, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), Nathan Gemmell (Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Physics), Anne Bai (Undergraduate, Department of Physics), Xun Yu (Undergraduate Department of Physics), Dimitrie Cielecki (Research Postgraduate, Department of Physics), Alessia Cimbri (Research Postgraduate, Department of Physics), Daleep Bahra (Research Postgraduate, Department of Physics).