Governments can ignite innovation through near-term Quantum-powered applications
Many governments have quantum programmes that focus on R&D efforts for next-generation quantum hardware technology. Some quantum computing technologies have now advanced enough to solve real-world problems, and what’s needed now is a shift to commercialisation. In my years of tech policy experience, I've found that the only way to quickly commercialise technology and drive innovation is to focus on the software stack, emphasizing how the end user will interact with the technology. Emerging technologies often work together to solve complex problems. That’s why it’s exciting to see the U.K. government leaning in on near-term application development.
What many people don’t realise is that quantum computing is well suited for near-term application development. Quantum computing is working in concert with cloud computing, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, and is tackling tough problems industries are facing today. Quantum-powered applications have the potential to create more resilient and efficient supply chains, reduce carbon emissions, decrease waste, advance drug discovery, and tackle a wide range of other complex problems.
Real-World Use Cases for Today's Quantum
As the U.K. government unlocks innovation to solve problems impacting the public, the need to tap new computation power is critical, especially to solve logistics problems. These are problems that impact our daily lives, ranging from helping solve traffic congestion and optimize railway schedule delays to improving emergency response and post and parcel delivery. Logistics management is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow of goods, materials, and services. This is a complex problem that plays a critical role in enabling businesses and governments to meet the public’s needs.
With their numerous constraints, the enormous problem sets present in logistics are complex, and when it comes to providing solutions, conventional technology can only scratch the surface. However, quantum computing can provide transformative solutions that work alongside conventional solutions and other emerging technologies. Even better, its additive computational power is accessible through the cloud.
This is important to note that as the U.K. government continues to implement its quantum strategy and expand the focus of programmes to address near-term needs, this an area where use of quantum-powered solutions can provide enhanced solutions. For example, the Port of Los Angeles in the U.S., one of the busiest ports in the world, used a cloud-based application to improve cargo handling efficiency by 60% each day while reducing truck turnaround time by 12%. Elsewhere, transportation network optimization is an area of focus for quantum-powered solutions. In fact, the Australian government announced its intention to use quantum computing applications to optimize its network of railways, taxis, busing and more. Similar applications could be applied to U.K. transportation and logistics – and should be supported through quantum programme
Quantum’s Role in Driving Sustainability
Beyond transportation and logistics, there is a need to address sustainability initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon goals set by governments. This is another area where quantum-powered technologies can help. As increased renewable fuels are needed for the electrical grid, the need to optimize increases exponentially. To address sustainability efforts, quantum-hybrid applications have been developed around the world, including the optimization of wind farms in the Netherlands and EV charging station placement in San Francisco. In Japan, an application was developed to reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 60% through optimized waste collection. And in Europe, Vinci Energies, a French-based company, is building applications to optimize heating and air conditioning (HVAC) design. These applications are providing new approaches and are yielding solutions more quickly with shorter duct lengths and fewer construction elements.
Government Programmes Foster Near-Term Application Innovation
The U.K. National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) recognises that stimulating market growth and driving innovation in the quantum computing industry requires a dual approach of both supporting hardware advancement while also prioritising near-term application development.
By encouraging the creation of applications using existing quantum computing technologies, the NQTP will accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of quantum solutions. This approach not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of quantum computing to potential users, but also helps identify the most promising areas for further development.
As more near-term applications are developed and deployed, a valuable feedback loop is created between software developers, hardware manufactures, and end-users. Software developers gain insights into the capabilities and limitations of current quantum hardware and identify areas of synergy for convergence with other technologies. Hardware manufacturers, in turn, receive feedback on the performance and usability of their systems from solving end-user problems, enabling them to refine their designs and prioritize future enhancements.
The U.K. SPARQ programme focuses on application development across quantum computing modalities (annealing, gate-model, and hybrid), but it can do more. The programme should double down on upskilling quantum algorithm development. They can look to Canada, where the Quantum Algorithms Institute has a programme aimed at educating algorithm developers in quantum annealing technology. New programmes could be established in the U.K. to exponentially advance quantum application development. The U.S. is considering creating a quantum sandbox program dedicated to near-term application development of demonstrations and proofs of concepts within 24-month or less. Also in consideration is a quantum user access programme, which provides cloud-based access to commercial quantum computing systems. Similar programmes should be established in the U.K. to expedite application innovation and deployment.
While it can feel like a Herculean feat, innovation can be achieved in the public sector at the same pace as the private sector. Government programmes should support near-term quantum application development focused on solving key public sector problems – and these programmes can reap even greater rewards by bringing together quantum with other emerging technologies for maximum impact.
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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
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
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/
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