£45m investment to drive ‘breakthroughs’ in brain scanners, quantum computing and more

Accelerating the use of quantum technology to improve healthcare, energy, transport and more has received a major boost as Science Minister Andrew Griffith announces £45 million of investment today (Monday 5 February).

The projects receiving funding include the development of a high-tech brain scanner using quantum technology, aiming to improve the diagnosis of disorders such as epilepsy and dementia, and a smart navigation system for trains, using quantum sensors to save costs and enhance safety in tunnels. 

These initiatives represent ‘cutting-edge’ advancements, being developed here in the UK, that could revolutionise healthcare and transport. Quantum technologies hold the potential to tackle problems that currently surpass the capacities of advanced classical computers and will allow us to reach new frontiers in sensing, timing, imaging, and communications.

During a visit to Cerca Magnetics, a University of Nottingham spin-out company supported through the National Quantum Technologies Programme, Minister Griffith will outline how this £45m funding supports the government's vision to transform into a quantum-enabled economy by 2033.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) have invested £30m through a competition to develop and deliver world-leading quantum computing hardware prototypes.

Another £15m from the Quantum Catalyst Fund is set to accelerate use of quantum in government. Both initiatives will enable quantum technologies to be used in real-life applications, both in the private and public sector.

Science Minister, Andrew Griffith MP, commented: "As we steer towards an economy benefiting from quantum, this further £45m in funding underscores our commitment to support bright UK innovators who are pushing boundaries and seizing the potential of this technology to transform our public services.

"Cutting-edge work on a quantum enabled brain scanner, which will be a beacon of hope for those battling neurological conditions, is just one example.

"The UK is already one global leader in quantum and to maintain that position this government will continue to invest in this transformational technology propelling the UK into a new era of technological prowess and economic growth.”

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