The U.K. government has set its sights on making the quantum technology sector a cornerstone of its innovation landscape. With a commitment to investing £2.5 billion over the next decade under the National Quantum Strategy, the goal is to foster the development of commercially viable quantum technologies by 2033. This ambitious initiative saw an initial release of £45 million earlier this year to kickstart various projects.
A Long-Term Vision for Quantum Computing
The timeline for quantum technology is inherently long-term. Entrepreneurs in the quantum computing field generally agree that widespread commercial applications are still five to ten years away. While prototypes are currently being developed and sold primarily to research institutes, there are significant hurdles to overcome before quantum computing becomes mainstream.
Brain Scanning with Quantum Technology
One promising example is Cerca Magnetics, a joint venture between the University of Nottingham and Magnetic Shields, a technology company. Founded in 2020, Cerca Magnetics produces a wearable brain scanner that resembles a helmet, offering a lightweight and mobile alternative to MRI machines. This device is particularly beneficial for working with children, as it allows free movement.
The quantum technology behind this innovation involves using lasers to shoot photons at groups of atoms, altering their quantum state and turning them into tiny magnets capable of detecting magnetic activity in the brain. The data collected can aid research into conditions such as autism, epilepsy, and dementia. According to co-founder David Woolger, the company has surpassed initial sales expectations, selling systems to institutions in the UK, Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including Ivy League universities and hospitals. While Cerca Magnetics is currently targeting research institutes, the larger clinical market, valued at $9 billion, will require regulatory approvals.
Unveiling Hidden Structures Beneath Our Feet
In a different sphere, Delta.g, a University of Birmingham spin-out launched in 2022, focuses on detecting underground structures like pipes. Their technology maps gravity variations by shooting light at two clouds of atoms, taking precise measurements while eliminating external vibrations. Co-founder Professor Michael Holynski highlights the practical applications in transport and construction, where understanding underground infrastructure is crucial to avoid hazards such as gas pipes. Delta.g has secured significant funding, including £1.5 million from various venture groups and a £2.4 million Small Business Research Initiative contract to advance their gravity gradient sensors. They’ve also engaged in contracts with the U.K. Department of Transport and the Royal Navy.
A new University of Birmingham spinout, Delta g, raises £1.5m to build gravity gradiometry platform for mapping the underground space:https://t.co/SpjTL4PXv1 pic.twitter.com/Pg8lCKbLNI
— College of Engineering & Physical Sciences (@eps_unibham) July 17, 2023
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite their successes, both Cerca Magnetics and Delta.g face distinct challenges. For Cerca Magnetics, obtaining clinical approvals is a critical next step, not just for financial gain but for societal impact, particularly in epilepsy treatment. The crossover between medical research and clinical practice could ease the transition to the clinical market once approvals are in place.
Delta.g, on the other hand, sees broad potential for its portable and movable technology across various sectors. However, there’s an ongoing effort to miniaturize their system to expand its applicability.
Quantum Sensing: A Present-Day Reality
Both companies affirm that quantum sensing is not a distant dream but a technology ready for deployment now. This immediacy is what attracted Tony Lowe, appointed CEO of Delta.g in June, to join the company. He sees quantum technology as a solution to existing problems with immediate use cases.
Support for Quantum Startups
The primary support for quantum startups in the U.K. comes from the National Quantum Technologies Programme, offering grants, competitions, and testbed facilities. While quantum computing remains a long-term investment, the immediate demand and impact of quantum sensing technologies suggest a shorter path to widespread application.
Envisioning a Quantum-Enabled Future
The U.K.’s investment in quantum technology startups like Cerca Magnetics and Delta.g is already bearing fruit. These companies illustrate the tangible, near-term benefits of quantum sensing technologies, providing innovative solutions to real-world problems and setting the stage for broader commercial applications in the years to come. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, their potential to transform industries and improve lives becomes increasingly clear, promising a future where quantum-enabled solutions are an integral part of everyday life.
Photo by Farai Gandiya on Unsplash
