The newly opened National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in the UK will house new quantum computers designed to push the boundaries of the technology’s possibilities.
It will house a wide range of quantum computing platforms, uniquely offering open access to industry, academia, and other sectors across the UK.
More than 70 staff will be based there, and the Centre will also host an array of opportunities for students – including the world’s first dedicated quantum apprenticeship programme, 30 PhD studentships, summer placements, and crash courses for those in industry.
Unlike many global counterparts, the NQCC’s systems are not restricted to government ownership or use, enabling anyone with a valid use case to harness its cutting-edge capabilities.
By fostering collaboration and innovation, the NQCC is set to become a key driver of quantum breakthroughs, delivering transformative benefits for both the public and private sectors.
Quantum computing set to revolutionise key industries
Quantum technologies like quantum computers and quantum sensors have the potential to revolutionise many industries, from healthcare to energy.
For example, at UKRI’s Quantum Hubs, researchers are already using quantum computers to build ‘neural networks’ that could be used to detect fraud and are building the foundations of a ‘quantum internet’ that will pool the colossal power of quantum computers from across the globe.
The UK’s quantum technology sector is a global leader, with a thriving ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and talent. The UK is home to the second-largest quantum sector globally, backed by substantial private investment.
Quantum technology will not only help drive the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating cutting-edge innovations that can be commercialised and exported, boosting the UK’s GDP, but it will also play a key role in supporting broader efforts to rebuild Britain.
By advancing science and technology, quantum computing will help create a more efficient, future-ready NHS and enhance cybersecurity, ensuring safer streets and a stronger digital infrastructure for the future.
The NQCC will solve real-world problems
The NQCC is set to harness the power of quantum computing to solve real-world problems affecting individuals and industries.
The Centre will focus on key areas where quantum computing can offer impactful solutions, including:
- Energy grid optimisation: Quantum computers can analyse vast amounts of data in real time to identify the most efficient ways to balance energy supply and demand, preventing power outages and minimising energy losses.
- Faster drug discovery: By speeding up the analysis of molecular structures, quantum computing could dramatically accelerate the development of new medicines, offering faster treatments for life-threatening conditions.
- Climate prediction: By processing vast amounts of data, quantum technology can enhance climate modelling, allowing for more accurate predictions and improved responses to global environmental challenges.
- Advances in AI: Quantum computing can supercharge artificial intelligence, enhancing areas such as medical diagnostics and fraud detection, leading to better healthcare outcomes and more secure financial systems.
A vital step forward in the UK quantum sector
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “ By making its facilities available to users from across industry and academia and focusing on making quantum computers practically usable at scale, this Centre will help us solve some of the biggest challenges we face.
“This includes delivering advances in healthcare, enhancing energy efficiency, tackling climate change, or inventing new materials.”
He added: “The innovations that will emerge from the work the NQCC will do will ultimately improve lives across the country and ensure the UK seizes the economic benefits of its leadership in quantum technologies.”
The NQCC will foster pioneering research and act as a hub for collaboration, bringing together businesses, academics, and government to unlock quantum computing’s full potential.
It will also champion the safe and ethical use of quantum computing, as set out in its responsible innovation strategy, which was published earlier this summer.
