\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nResponsible innovation in quantum is essential in ensuring trust in the technologies and support for the industry. UKQuantum is collaborating with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and TechUK to establish guiding principles for responsible innovation in quantum, drawing upon the experiences of its members and recent lessons from Artificial Intelligence (AI).<\/p>\n\u00a9 shutterstock\/Yurchanka Siarhei<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOver the coming months, UKQuantum\u2019s objective is to provide guidelines to quantum companies on how they can adopt and implement the principles of responsible innovation. There is also a focus on the practicalities specifically for small businesses, lowering the barriers for those keen to engage but lacking the knowledge or resources.<\/p>\n
The new UK Quantum Missions are a critical component of the UK\u2019s National Quantum Strategy. The industry was involved in shaping the five missions and is continuing to engage in the planning phase.<\/p>\n
Can quantum innovation be used to help solve global challenges such as climate change or healthcare issues? \n<\/strong><\/h3>\nQuantum technology will be a vital weapon in our armoury when it comes to tackling these global problems, but it will be part of a broader solution.<\/p>\n
The potential of quantum technology in the fight against climate change is huge but still to be realised. Quantum sensing offers unprecedented precision in detecting subtle changes in environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pollutant levels. Additionally, it allows for the real-time monitoring of ecosystems and emissions, enabling timely intervention in the case of leakages. By harnessing the flipside of the properties of quantum systems, we unlock the power to identify underground spaces into which we can pump carbon dioxide as part of carbon capture and sequestration.<\/p>\n
Quantum computers could also excel at simulations, enabling the understanding of complex molecular interactions and then employing this knowledge in the development of emissions-reducing technologies, for example, methane mitigation.<\/p>\n
The addition of quantum technology to drug design and discovery could dramatically enhance efficiency. Traditional drug discovery involves screening potential molecules and predicting their biological activity. This is an incredibly time-consuming task with vast amounts of data since much of the work is in tackling a variety of possibilities that might work and sifting through to narrow them down.<\/p>\n
Quantum computing algorithms can transform drug design into an optimisation problem, simulating molecular structures, properties, and reactivity more effectively than classical computers and handling interactions on an atomic level. Quantum algorithms identify molecules with desired properties incredibly quickly, which could exponentially enhance efficiency within the drug discovery sector, allowing scientists to invest time and effort into only the most promising potential drugs.<\/p>\n
What are the infrastructure and legislation requirements for advancing quantum innovation, and how are these being met? \n<\/strong><\/h3>\nOne of the key outcomes recommended by the aforementioned Regulatory Horizons Council report is that regulation should be approached from an end-user perspective. Rather than creating a new set of regulations, we should consider where quantum technology could be employed and tailor existing regulations. Telecoms, civil aviation, and transport have established regulatory environments with sections specifically relating to existing technology.<\/p>\n
A sensible approach would be to consider these existing restrictions and use them to advise quantum regulations. For example, quantum computing may be used to process personal data, leading to concerns over privacy. Instead of starting with the raw technology, we examine existing privacy and personal data regulations to determine if there is any reason these should not apply to quantum. Consequently, we are able to identify gaps in existing legislation and tackle those specifically, avoiding an overhaul of existing legislation.<\/p>\n
Additionally, a primary objective of advancing quantum innovation must be equitable access. Given the promise of quantum technology in areas such as healthcare and drug discovery, it is crucial that access is not restricted. To prevent this, we must ensure that the appropriate infrastructure to support quantum is in place nationwide and equally affordable.<\/p>\n
What is the potential for quantum computing and technology in the next ten years and beyond? What is the role of UKQuantum in shaping this future? \n<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow, ten years into the National Quantum Technology Programme, the UK is firmly established on the quantum stage. The programme has been an extraordinary success, setting the science and the first steps of commercialisation in motion, producing new companies, supporting those companies, and engaging with end-users. This is a huge feat and is a testament to the strength of the UK\u2019s research and innovation ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Ten years from now, we hope to have unlocked the benefits of quantum computing and see them become fully fault-tolerant. This is primarily an engineering challenge, which, given the amount of intellectual power and financial resources, is likely achievable. In the intervening time, we would ideally see clear demonstrations of the intermediate value, recognising and promoting the value of those near-term quantum computers. Additionally, we can expect to see new classes of quantum sensing devices employed in positioning, navigation and timing.<\/p>\n
We must also prepare for the dangers associated with quantum computers. Data is being harvested already, and quantum will provide the capabilities to decrypt this personal data completely, meaning it is essential we develop and deploy adequate legislation and technology in the coming years to defend against the threat.<\/p>\n
To both combat this threat and establish the infrastructure capable of supporting quantum, clear roadmaps for the next ten years and beyond are required. Waiting until quantum technology is available will be too late to work out new processes or strategies and will set the UK back in its position.<\/p>\n
To continue in its leadership position, the UK must maintain the energy of the last decade. The next phase of the UK\u2019s quantum strategy has seen a commitment of \u00a32.5bn, and the appropriate plans and objectives must accompany it. Businesses and governments must now set out clear roadmaps for when they intend to incorporate these technologies. UKQuantum will continue in its endeavour to support and promote quantum technologies. By communicating and collaborating with academia, industry, and policymakers, UKQuantum will remain a coherent voice for the quantum industry as it enters a new phase and help realise a quantum future with the UK at the helm.<\/p>\n
Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our\u00a0quarterly publication<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Learn more about the capabilities of quantum technology and how the UK can establish itself as a quantum superpower.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":44866,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24615],"tags":[793,24613,24546],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Growing the UK\u2019s quantum technology ecosystem<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n