24 May 2022

techUK report: Quantum commercialisation: Positioning the UK for success

techUK has published a new quantum commercialisation report – Quantum commercialisation: Positioning the UK for success– calling on UK Government and industry to set clear commercial ambitions together, giving UK-based and international businesses the confidence that the UK is a viable place to achieve quantum commercial viability.

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Quantum technologies will have a profound impact in the UK as we position ourselves as a science and technology leader, and turn academic strength in quantum into economic success.

With the UK Quantum Strategy expected later this year, this report is designed to help UK Government work with the UK tech sector to ensure the UK can remain a world leader in this space.

Throughout the report, techUK underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership with the wider tech sector to make commercialisation a reality

Please click on the image to access report

This report addresses all quantum technologies, from sensing, communications, security and computing as these technologies unlock lots of different use cases in the UK.  Different technologies and use cases will mature at different speeds, and throughout this report we have tried to think inclusively about how the UK can support the variety of quantum hardware and software systems, and products and services, that will emerge in the coming years. These technologies do have overlapping areas of focus, such as skills, adoption and security.  

To achieve this vision the following activities and interventions will be critical:

  1. Ensuring access to quantum talent and developing quantum skills in the UK

  2. Working with the UK tech sector to develop models of easy access to quantum technologies, including building pathways with other critical emerging technologies such as Cloud, HPC and AI that will be key for commercialisation

  3. Promote international collaboration globally to help grow and develop opportunities for the UK sector, and protect the UK’s capabilities

  4. Encourage public sector procurement of quantum to grow the quantum market, offer stability, and enable commercialisation

  5. Ensure commercialisation and innovation is achieved in a responsible and ethical manner

With the formidable role quantum technologies will play in enabling previously unattainable technological advancements in drug discovery, protein-folding, carbon capture, battery research and more, quantum will be key to unlocking the UK’s success as a science and technology superpower. However, industry cannot do this alone – our first quantum report calls on UK Government and industry to set clear commercial ambitions together, giving UK-based and international businesses the confidence that the UK is a viable place to achieve commercial viability.

Laura Foster

Head of Technology and Innovation, techUK

The advances being made in Quantum technology offer some of the most exciting opportunities in the innovation pipeline for the years ahead, potentially revolutionising everything from medical diagnostics and autonomous vehicles, to military navigation and cybersecurity. This report highlights just how important the commercialisation of quantum technology will be in unleashing the UK’s full potential as a science superpower, which is why it is a priority for this government as we work to develop the National Quantum Strategy.

George Freeman

Science Minister

We are on the cusp of a quantum revolution. In the years ahead, further advances in quantum-driven technologies, solutions, products and services are expected to bring profound changes to the technology sector and are expected to be transformational in areas as diverse as pharma, finance, telecommunications, construction and civil engineering. As the leading UK provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications, BT is determined to ensure the security of the UK’s economy with an ambition for national quantum-secure communications. We welcome techUK’s Quantum Report which recognises the achievements of the UK so far and gives clear recommendations to retain its global leadership.

Howard Watson

Chief Technology Officer, BT

D-Wave is highly supportive of the ongoing discussions around the advancement of quantum technology, and we’re pleased to see the UK government taking an active role. We believe quantum partnership is important for accelerating quantum innovation and impact. Governments must not only foster collaboration in research, but also work with industry leaders to build quantum-hybrid applications to solve public sector challenges and facilitate commercial adoption. We also need to act swiftly to support talent development and commercialization. The recent report from techUK reinforces these imperatives, showcasing the commercial readiness of quantum technology and how it can be applied by the private and public sector today.

Alan Baratz

President and CEO of D-Wave


Recent Quantum News

  1. techUK event: What is the future of quantum in the UK? A look at 2023 and beyond with Michael Cuthbert NQCC
  2. Future of Compute Review report published

  3. Event round-up: Quantum Computing in Energy & Utilities

  4. techUK's Future of Compute Week


For more information please contact:  

Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Sue Daley

Sue Daley

Director, Technology and Innovation