IOP responds to £2bn government plan for quantum

The IOP has responded today to the government’s announcement of a pioneering programme worth up to £2bn to support UK efforts to stay at the forefront of quantum innovation.

Under the plan the UK will deploy quantum computers at scale by the early 2030s, a step which the government says could add £200bn to the economy by 2045.

Commenting following the release of the plan the chief executive of the IOP, Tom Grinyer, said: “It’s welcome to see continued ambition – and new investment – to ensure the UK remains one of the world’s leading centres for quantum research and innovation.

“This is a sector built on decades of sustained physics discovery and today’s announcement signals a commitment to keep that momentum going. The physics-driven quantum revolution in computing, sensing, imaging and communications is set to transform sectors as diverse as healthcare, transport and finance and drive economic growth for generations to come.

“As this funding comes online, it will be essential that researchers, universities, companies and innovators across the quantum ecosystem have clear routes to access it. The UK can only realise the full potential of this investment if the whole community is able to engage with the opportunities it creates. The detail of how it is to be accessed is needed urgently.

“Crucially, long‑term success in quantum depends on a strong and growing pipeline of physicists and on continued investment in the fundamental physics that gave the UK its global leadership position. Maintaining that foundational research and skills base is vital if the UK is to convert quantum ambition into long‑term economic benefit and global advantage.”