The U.K. government has unveiled a new $159.4 million investment to advance quantum technologies, especially those designed to enhance law enforcement, fraud detection and the identification of money laundering operations.
Launched during World Quantum Day on Monday, the funding will ensure that quantum technology development will produce solutions that maximize the technology’s potential to use the “smallest particles to build ultra-powerful computers and sensors.” The breakdown of the new investment is as follows:
- $61 million to accelerate quantum technology adoption in various sectors, including computing, networking, position, navigation and timing, and sensing.
- $28 million to support the National Quantum Computing Centre’s initiatives, including their testbed program with Innovate UK.
- $14 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s quantum measurement program to allow more businesses to test the technology.
- $31 million to fund five research hubs overseen by UK Research and Innovation focused on turning concepts into real-world applications.
The investment, part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Plan for Change initiative, also aims to keep the country’s leadership in the global science and technology landscape by supporting research initiatives designed to improve the country’s health and cybersecurity landscape.
British Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted how the new funding will help quantum-focused local businesses to develop tools and products that will make lives more comfortable by addressing current and future issues. “Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country, stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more,” he said.