Seven businesses have joined Digital Catapult’s latest quantum innovation accelerator to fast track the development of solutions and the practical application of deep tech. The programme aims to help complex market challenges in major sectors of the UK economy which includes transport, defence and telecomunications, by convening quantum capabilities and innovation consultacny.
The Quantum Technology Access Programme is part of a wider Innovate UK funding project, ‘Quantum Data Centre of the Future’ aims to embed a quantum computer within a conventional data centre to explore real-world access to quantum tech. Partners are ORCA Computing, Riverlane and PQShield, and the programme witnessed a 26% boost in confidence about quantum computing from companies including Rolls Royce, Airbus and the Port of Dover.
This year, Digital Catapult welcomes more household names, including BAE Systems, and Vodafone, signalling growing industrial interest in the technology and the spectrum of sectors that could benefit from quantum innovation. With tailored consultancy from Digital Catapult’s experts and access to cutting-edge quantum computing technology, the services available to participating companies are designed to achieve defined use-cases, and make sustainability and efficiency gains.
The programme will also explore how new products and services can address global imbalances between the supply and demand of new quantum solutions. Vodafone, for example, will explore innovative use cases to address complex telecommunications challenges, including the NP-Hard Steiner Tree problem which focuses on optimising telecoms networks by finding the most efficient way to connect multiple points.
“We’re excited to join the Quantum Technology Access Programme to further deepen our quantum knowledge and explore how quantum computing can enhance optimisation challenges like the Steiner Tree problem. This programme will provide valuable insights as we look to leverage quantum computing in areas such as machine learning and combinatorial optimisation,” said Dr Chloe, AI quantum researcher at Vodafone Group R&D.
“The clear demand for this innovation programme and associated consultancy services is testament to the growing maturity of quantum computing, the increasing interest from many industrial sectors and growing investor confidence,” added Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for Quantum Technologies UKRI.
“The ‘quantum revolution’ is underway, and businesses need to innovate to incorporate quantum technologies into their operations if they are to succeed in the long term,” said Daniel Goldsmith, Senior Quantum Computing Technologist at Digital Catapult. “However, many are unsure where to start. This is why innovation programmes are invaluable for UK businesses, serving as an essential resource to help them navigate the complex quantum landscape. I look forward to working with this new cohort to drive innovation and advance the application of deep tech across industry.”
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
