UK’s “Quantum leap” –  new package of support for quantum technologies worth up to £2bn

UK unveils new package of measures to become the first country in the world to roll out Quantum computers at scale.

• Raft of support worth up to £2 billion to establish the UK as a world leader in Quantum, from skills and talent to research and procurement programmes.
• UK aims to become first country in the world to commit to making and deploying  Quantum computers at scale by the early 2030s, ushering in a new era for computing which could add £200 billion to the economy by 2045
• A defining technology of the future, Quantum will deliver better drugs and treatments, greener energy, and protect people’s finances and national security

The next step in the UK’s plans for Quantum technology will help deliver personalised treatments, potential cures for diseases, safeguard our national security and deliver high-paid jobs – revolutionising the health and wealth of hardworking people across the UK and delivering on the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

A pioneering programme worth up to £2 billion of government investment announced by the Technology Secretary and the Chancellor today (Tuesday 17 March), will ensure the UK stays at the forefront of Quantum innovation. The UK will  become the first country to benefit from revolutionary Quantum computers, sensors and networks, and support the emergence of the next generation of leading British companies who will help shape the curve of progress.

Quantum is technology’s next great generational leap and will rival AI as the defining technology of the future. While a traditional computer solves problems using a one-by one approach, a Quantum system explores thousands of potential answers at once -slashing the time it takes to reach a solution. That will accelerate how we can drive growth, investment, and national renewal for future generations, delivering new, life-changing breakthroughs in the process.

As of today, the UK is the first country in the world to commit to an advanced procurement to build large-scale quantum computers on our shores by the early 2030s. Joining R&D, manufacturing, software, hardware and procurement into a single programme, we will be world leaders in developing and deploying large-scale Quantum computers.

These systems will be built in Britain – creating British jobs, new opportunities for British businesses, and opening new routes of investment to flow into our economy from all over the world.