The rise and rise of Quantum Technology

19/04/2024

Earlier this year, the winners of a UK contest to help develop quantum technologies and progress both the public and private sector were announced. The UKRI Quantum Testbed Competition enabled seven winners to receive funding and access to facilities as the UK aims to become a world leader in quantum computing.

So important is the quantum computing market, International Data Corp predicts it will grow to $7.6 billion (£6 billion) globally by 2027. Meanwhile, Chris Inglis, US national cyber director, described quantum AI as “mind-boggling” in its potential effectiveness and efficiency.

So, what is quantum?

A quantum is the minimum amount of any physical entity and in computing it’s used to perform calculations in place of electrical signals. That takes away the traditional boundaries, which saw computers working their way through each option to find a solution. Instead, quantum computers can solve problems almost instantaneously.

This specialised technology has the power to solve problems beyond the capabilities of traditional computers in an expedited time frame. Its applications could be wide ranging, solving existing challenges like climate change and food security, as well as issues of the future that have not yet come to light.

The rise of quantum

Quantum computing is an emerging technology and as such, its applications are still being explored. Previously, it has relied extensively on theoretical approaches, which is why the UKRI Testbed Competition is so crucial. Winners will be granted access to prototype hardware for running and refining quantum algorithms.

They’ll be able to complete the process from start to finish, building, commissioning and conducting initial tests and evaluations of a testbed system. This is the most recent step in an evolution that can be traced back to the 1980s when the American theoretical physicist Richard Feynman and Russian mathematician Yuri Manin first envisaged quantum computers.

Quantum mechanics goes back further, with its origins in the 1900s, but without the computing power to simulate systems, it was limited. Now, quantum computers could revolutionise not just the tech industry but others too, with the ability for rapid process optimisation.

Where could quantum developments take us?

The intended outcome of the competition is for the testbed systems to distinguish which types of computer are best suited for solving some of the greatest challenges in modern society. If quantum sounds like the technology of the future, it’s worth noting its transformation of many processes has already begun.

Among the existing applications for the technology are optimising routes for fuel tankers, assessing the most urgent ICU patients and designing new and innovative materials. But its potential for the future is seemingly endless, especially when combined with AI or algorithms to create technologies that have hitherto only been imagined.

The race for quantum supremacy

The competition, which is backed by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), is worth £30 million. It reflects the desire for nations to be at the forefront of advances in quantum technology.

It’s not just states, however, that are investing in quantum but tech giants too, including Google, Amazon and IBM. Dominating this space could put stakeholders way out in front of competitors, with comparisons being made to the industrial revolution or the invention of the internet.

Leading the charge

IBM is leading the race to dominate the world of quantum, but investment in innovators means the sector is being opened up to multiple companies. While they can’t currently compete with the heavyweights, advancements could one day give them a seat at the table.

Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Mission Fund senior responsible owner and executive director of cross-council programmes at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, said:

“We are on the brink of a quantum technology revolution that is poised to transform diverse industries from the financial sector to healthcare, and UKRI is committed to ensuring the UK’s place at the forefront of this.

“We are providing our world-leading businesses and institutions the resources and tools needed to build a strong foundation in quantum computing with the potential to scale their activities for long-term competitive advantage.

“This investment will help our researchers and innovators develop the blueprint for quantum computing hardware and software and secure the UK’s place in this developing field.”

The winning up-and-coming quantum companies

The seven winners of the UKRI Quantum Testbed Competition will take up residence at the NQCC’s facilities in south Oxfordshire between now and March 2025. Their quantum computing testbeds will put them at the forefront of the emerging technology in the UK, putting them among the top companies to watch and work for:

Aegiq, Sheffield - This start-up aims to deliver customer value in an approach that combines quantum and integrated photonic technology. Aegiq considers its applications to be scalable and compatible with existing infrastructure.

ColdQuanta UK, Warwick - A subsidiary of ColdQuanta inc, this UK-based SME is developing a number of quantum-enabled prototypes. ColdQuanta UK is working on quantum positioning systems, quantum radio frequency receivers, and quantum memory devices.

ORCA Computing, London - Founded to develop a new approach towards photonic quantum computing, ORCA is headquartered in London, with offices across the world. It produces full-stack photonic quantum computing systems for a number of applications.

Oxford Ionics, Oxford - Aiming to take quantum computing from the theoretical to the indispensable, Oxford Ionics says the inherent perfection of atoms could solve many of the world’s problems. Since being founded in 2019, it’s developed a unique noiseless electronic qubit control technology.

Rigetti UK, London - Building quantum computers and superconducting quantum processors, this integrated systems company is on a mission to solve many of humanity’s biggest problems. Rigetti UK says its machines can be integrated into any cloud, whether that’s public, private or a hybrid model.

Quantum Motion, London - Claiming to have the blueprint for the most powerful computer on the planet, Quantum Motion aims to combine fault tolerant quantum architectures with the hardware to realise qubits in silicon. This, it says, will move away from theory in universities and into the real world.

QuEra Computing, Exeter - Specialising in using neutral atoms, this company operates the world’s biggest publicly accessible quantum computer. QuEra is working to develop large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving immense problems.