The Government has released details of five ‘missions’ aimed at securing the UK’s status as a world leader in quantum technology over the next decade and beyond.
Quantum computing played a key part in technology-related announcements made in last week’s Autumn Statement, along with investment in artificial intelligence (AI), the space sector, and a revamp of tax credits for research and development (R&D).
The Quantum Missions form part of the previously announced £2.5bn National Quantum Strategy and comprise the following:
- Mission 1 – Ensuring that there are accessible quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations by 2035. This will provide clear economic benefits across key sectors that are far in excess of those provided by classical supercomputers.
- Mission 2 – Deploying the most advanced quantum network in the world by 2035, paving the way for a future quantum internet. This network will involve quantum processor clusters networking between advanced data centres.
- Mission 3 – Providing access to quantum sensing-based solutions to all NHS Trusts to benefit patients. These will include quantum-enabled brain scanning by 2028 and cancer detection by 2030. By the end of the mission, a health technology pipeline is envisaged that will impact other areas, such as disease detection and surgery.
- Mission 4 – Deploying quantum navigation systems on aircraft by 2030. These systems, which will include extremely accurate clocks, will decrease the size and weight requirements of current systems, as well as reduce the reliance on satellite systems.
- Mission 5 – Unlocking new situational awareness capabilities using mobile-networked quantum sensors by 2030. These can be used across critical infrastructure in a number of sectors, including defence, energy, telecommunications and transport.
The Government says that while the Quantum Missions focus on specific outcomes, achieving them will have knock-on effects that will bring many additional benefits.
Providing an example, it said that developing quantum sensing capabilities for infrastructure monitoring would also provide potential benefits in areas including autonomous systems and drone technologies.
Regarding the AI field, the Government also announced that it will boost funding by an additional £500m over the next two years.
Including previously announced investments, this will bring the total to more than £1.5bn.
£121m was also promised to the UK space sector, with the money to go towards a variety of infrastructure projects, including Earth observation and space-based communications technology.
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