Government confirms £20m funding for businesses and researchers to pioneer the use of ground-breaking quantum technologies.

The next generation of navigation systems that could operate without GPS, cameras that can see round corners and truly trustworthy methods of exchanging data are three of the devices and systems that could be developed in the next quantum revolution led by UK companies and researchers.

The Government has confirmed that a £20m pioneer fund will be available to support the development of 3-5 prototype quantum-enabled devices that could be used in future sensors, consumer electronics and digital services. Click here for the announcement press release and here for the competition website.

The investment is the part of Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, which brings together world-leading research with businesses to take on the major societal and economic challenges of our time.

Pioneer funding will be used to establish whether more significant future funding could help UK businesses to establish a global advantage.

The Challenge will be delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). KTN will be running a briefing event for businesses and researchers in London on 18th April.

Draft Programme

10:00 Registration

10:30 Quantum and ISCF

Sir Peter Knight, Interim Challenge Director

10:45 Competition Scope

Dr Chris Jones, Innovate UK

11:30 Competition Process

Julie Brown, Innovate UK

12:15 Q&A

12:30 Lunch & Networking

13:15 Optional Networking and 1:1 Meetings

15:00 Close