25 Oct 2021

A new model of innovation to realise the UKs science superpower potential

Dr. Keith Dear, Fujitsu describes the UK's path towards quantum commercialisation as part of techUK's Quantum Commercialisation Week. #QuantumFuture

Dr Keith Dear, Director of Artificial Intelligence Innovation at Fujitsu recently spoke at The Quantum Summit 2021 to discuss how Quantum fits into the UK's plans to become a science superpower.

Fresh from delivering his Keynote, Dr Keith Dear shared his thoughts on why quantum-inspired technologies are critical to Britain’s commercial and economic success?

In his interview, Keith describes Annealing as the “path to Quantum readiness”, helping us to realise the benefits that Quantum Computing can bring today, rather than waiting for change to happen in the future. Quantum Computing will be completely transformational to UK market in how we can make decisions and Annealing is here now to prepare us for a disruption that we can anticipate.

Throughout his interview Keith goes on to explore why and how the UKs scientific superpower will impact commerce? Being a scientific superpower involves two things as described in the Prime Ministers vision for 2030: the first is enabling the UK to continue to be the 3rd in the world for research but it also means enhancing our effectiveness in innovation.

Watch the full video of Dr Keith Dears interview here.

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.