Event round-up: Quantum readiness: the transport sector and quantum computing
This month, we were delighted to convene a discussion on how the transport sector can leverage the power of quantum technologies to solve longstanding industry challenges.
Speakers included Stuart Dick, Head of Quantum Technologies, Department for Transport; Nadia Hoodbhoy, Principal Engineer Technical Authority, Network Rail; Andre Carvalho, Head of Quantum Control Solutions, Q-CTRL and David Burnett, Director, D-Wave Systems.
You can watch the full session and read the summary below.
Transport is a huge quantum opportunity
The UK’s transport sector is full of opportunities for quantum technology to tackle questions that traditional technologies have struggled to answer. The Department for Transport’s Quantum Programme is exploring how a wide range of quantum technologies can be leveraged across the industry from quantum annealing to support automated vehicles routing to quantum communications to protect against the cyber security threats.
The UK’s rail infrastructure, one of the densest networks of track and stations anywhere in the world, presents a unique opportunity for quantum technology to help drive optimisation in a way that has been difficult, or impossible, to achieve through conventional approaches.
Every week day, Network Rail, the public sector body managing the infrastructure, must keep over 24,000 trains moving amidst a range of variable factors including weather events, maintenance and technical faults. This is a huge challenge, often resulting in delays, cancellations and disruption, but Network Rail also sees an opportunity to use quantum computing to improve its ability to plan and optimise the in a more dynamic and responsive manner.
To explore the art of the possible, it recently begun working with Q-CTRL to explore how the technology can help in the creation of a more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable railway. The project, delivered using funds secured through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Catalyst Fund, is still in its infancy but is hoped will lead to valuable lessons on the how public sector can leverage the technology.
It’s just a tool in a box
A key message of the event is that quantum is most effectively harnessed when viewed as a tool in a wider toolbox of solutions.
In quantum computing, for example, end-users should firstly consider what complex challenges they face, ask why they have struggled harnessing classical techniques and work with the sector to explore whether a quantum solution may exist. This can also lead to a ‘rebound effect’ where classical computing solutions are improved on the basis that quantum technology changed organisational mindset.
In transport, this approach is key given the high levels of public scrutiny that public sector bodies are under to provide a reliable service that is value for money for the taxpayer. Central here is starting small, proving the concept and then scaling-up to help to de-risk the activity. However, it was recognised that a mindset shift is required within public sector to overcome longstanding barriers to adoption including a resistance to change and fear of failure. In 2023, techUK published a report setting out key recommendations for quantum commercialisation
Looking ahead
Quantum is one of the UK Government's five key technologies which will continue to grow in prominence as it matures and scales. For transport, the industry looks forward to the publication of the DfT’s Quantum Vision this summer that will the direction of travel in the sector.
Work is also underway to explore the convergence of quantum with other emerging technologies with the DfT’s Science and Technology Directorate, as well as linking between the classical and quantum problems.
techUK looks forward to continuing to engage with the DfT on a range of technology areas, including its forthcoming AI Strategy, to develop awareness and maintain its status as an early adopter of technology across government. More information on our transport work is available on our Smart Infrastructure & Systems Hub and quantum work on our Tech and Innovation Hub.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
Emerging technologies will be debated and explored at our annual Tech and Innovation Summit, taking place on 6 November. This campaign week will directly feed into the themes discussed at the Summit.
techUK’s flagship Tech and Innovation Summit returns to traverse the extraordinary and ground-breaking discoveries made possible by the application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Upcoming events:
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussion
A Black Lens: Exploring Representation In The Future of Extended Reality (XR)
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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/
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussionEvent round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
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/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
Smart Infrastructure and Systems updates
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Laura Foster
Laura Foster
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
