UK’s £2bn Quantum leap to benefit health sector

Key Summary

• Quantum systems are expected to deliver personalised treatments and identify potential cures for diseases by exploring thousands of potential answers simultaneously.

• The UK government has committed up to £2 billion to a new quantum programme designed to revolutionise healthcare, the economy, and national security.

• Over £500 million will be used to help companies scale and develop new uses for the technology in areas like pharmaceuticals, financial services, and energy.

UK government is planning to implement a £2 billion Quantum technology to deliver personalised treatments, potential cures for diseases, safeguard our national security and deliver high-paid jobs by 2030s.

It is part of the Modern Industrial Strategy and was announced by the Technology Secretary and the Chancellor today.

Over £500 million will be used to help companies scale and develop new uses for the technology in areas like pharmaceuticals, financial services, and energy.

While a traditional computer solves problems using a one-by one approach, a Quantum system explores thousands of potential answers at once - slashing the time it takes to reach a solution.

The quantum technology is already being used by Q-BIOMED researchers at the University College London, who are exploring wearable brain scanners to support people suffering from epilepsy.

The UK will become the first country to benefit from revolutionary Quantum computers, sensors and networks, and support the emergence of the next generation of leading British companies who will help shape the curve of progress.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I am determined this country grasps the benefits Quantum computing will bring. It is only by keeping pace with technological progress that we can deliver the high-paid jobs, cutting-edge public services, and innovations which change lives.”

The “ProQure:Scaling UK Quantum Computing” will be launched next week, where companies will be invited to table proposals to partner with us to deliver state of the art prototypes for evaluation.