“Quantum pioneers” reveal game changing innovations to transform everyday lives

The latest ground-breaking research and projects from across the Quantum landscape are to be shared at the 2022 National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) Showcase on 11 November at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster, London.

The conference, which is delivered by Innovate UK KTN, will offer delegates the opportunity to network with many of the individuals leading the quantum industry as well as unveiling the UK’s ‘First Five’, a collection of new quantum devices set to transform society and the economy - from healthcare to finance, defence, environmental protection and industrial opportunity.  

Each of these technologies has received vital funding from the Commercialising Quantum Technologies Challenge, at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is part of the NQTP to create a quantum-ready economy. This will include:

• Wearable brain scanners, developed at the University of Nottingham, that transform understanding of brain developments in childhood and neurological disorders including autism, dementia and epilepsy. 
• Gas imaging which uses quantum technology to see and measure emissions, paving the way for the energy sector to dramatically cut harmful emissions, which are costly and dangerous. Applying a technology that uses a LIDAR and a single photon avalanche detector (SPAD).
• An Innovate UK funded quantum key distribution system (QKD) able to work across conventional fibre networks and prevent data theft.
• A gravity gradient sensor that allows invisible underground features to be ‘seen’ and mapped; this has already successfully passed a landmark world-first open-air trial, correctly detecting a tunnel buried a metre below ground.
• A miniaturised atomic clock created by 10 companies and universities to deliver precision timing for a variety of critical infrastructure services, such as reliable energy supply, safe transport links, 5G and beyond mobile communications, data networks and electronic financial transactions.

Bob Cockshott, Quantum Lead at Innovate UK KTN said: “This showcase is about demonstrating the phenomenal progress that’s been made in the National Quantum Technologies Programme. We’re now at the stage where we can demonstrate technologies that are ready to push us towards a quantum-ready economy and provide societal benefits. This is an incredibly exciting time for the industry and society at large.”

The 2022 NQTP Showcase takes place from 9am to 4pm on 11 November. For more details visit: https://ktn-uk.org/events/uk-national-quantum-technologies-showcase-2022/.