Government puts £80m into quantum technology
Chancellor takes quantum leap with investment in four projects
The government is putting £80m into four projects to develop quantum technology.
The cash, which will be invested over a period of five years, will be used to support universities with existing research and development programmes in various areas.
The first of these is the University of Strathclyde, which is working with the University of Glasgow and other partner organisations to develop quantum imaging. The technology is being designed to provide live imagery that could, the government said, “see through snow storms, around corners and map hidden underground hazards”, and could ultimately be used in situations such as search-and-rescue missions or hostage recovery.
Related content
- Cisco backs government’s Industrial Strategy with $100m investment pledge
- Loughborough University seeks £1m supercomputer
- New GDS unit tasked with delivering government innovation strategy
The University of Oxford will also receive government money to support its work in the field of quantum computing and simulation. The institution is aiming to use quantum technology to “trivially solve complex problems which currently stump our most advanced supercomputers”.
The University of Birmingham, meanwhile, will receive funding for its research into how quantum sensing and metrology could help improve mining. Government backing will also be given to work taking place at the University of York to develop quantum communications for use in financial transactions and data transfers.
Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “The UK is a world leader in quantum technologies, but others are investing hard to catch up with us. The £80m in new funding… will ensure that we remain at the forefront of this exciting technological revolution. Technological leadership boosts our economy and our productivity, meaning higher growth and higher wages.”
Quantum technology aims to take some of the principles of quantum mechanics – the branch of physics concerned with atomic and sub-atomic particles – and apply them to areas such as computing and encryption.
Share this page
Printer-friendly version
Tags
Categories
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM READERS
Please login to post a comment or register for a free account.
Related Articles
HMRC director says that new digital ways to pay tax will give businesses more control over their finances
PublicTechnology talks to the minister for implementation about the challenges and successes of an eventful year for the Government Digital Service, and where the organisation goes from...
Although big-ticket technology announcements were largely absent from the chancellor’s speech, the Budget contained a number of initiatives and investments in digital and data
Chancellor’s Budget pledges that new 2% tariff will be targeted at global giants – not domestic start-ups
Related Sponsored Articles
Quantum computers will soon make some of our strongest encryption useless. And that's where quantum cryptography comes in
BT knows that digital security isn't just about technology. It's about the partnerships, intelligence and expertise you need to stay one step ahead in the security race.
Keiron Salt, CIO Health at BT, makes the case for a more rapid digital transformation of the NHS
How can you ensure you get the best from your workplace transformation? Bear in mind these two key drivers, and you'll see the benefits of new technologies