EPSRC to Fund £155 Million for Quantum Computing Research

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logoThe Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has opened a £155 million fund for a national network of Quantum Technology Hubs that will exploit the properties of quantum physics to develop quantum technologies.

The EPSRC has worked with the scientific community to outline areas where the development of quantum technologies have the potential to make a transforming impact, the study provided 5 key areas for bids to focus; Quantum Secure Communications, Quantum Metrology, Quantum Sensors, Quantum Simulators, and Quantum Computation. Applicants submitting a bid may choose to address one or more of these areas. The fund has been split into two distinct areas with £10-20 million allocated per hub; this will be complemented by a £75 million fund for capital investment across the network.

Professor David Delpy, EPSRC’s chief executive said: “I am confident that this call will be met with enthusiasm and imagination. The country now has a major opportunity to harness and exploit the research strengths that exist across the UK academic landscape. These hubs will work in partnership with industry to tackle the key technological challenges that need be overcome to realise the promise of Quantum Technologies.”

Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, said: “Quantum Technologies are an exciting and emerging field that represent a major opportunity for the UK. This new investment in a national network of quantum technology hubs will transform our capacity, keeping us ahead in the global race. It builds on our strong science base and will help deliver future economic growth.”

The funding is part of the UK government’s £270 million, multi-stakeholder, Quantum Technologies Program which is being delivered by EPSRC and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) in partnership with other stakeholders. It is aimed at realizing the potential impact of Quantum Technologies across business, government and society. The program will also include activities to develop high level skills for the UK in Quantum Technologies, and a joint EPSRC/ TSB Innovation Fund to move promising research closer to application.

This story appears here as part of a cross-publishing agreement with Scientific Computing World.