July 2024
Price: £150 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference examined progress and next steps for supporting growth in the UK quantum sector.
Attendees examined regulatory approaches, key considerations for attracting investment, and initiatives aimed at driving adoption and practical application of quantum technologies in the public and private sectors, as outlined in the National Quantum Strategy Missions published by DSIT in November 2023.
Sessions in the agenda explored priorities for stimulating investment and innovation, as well as supporting the scalability of practical uses of quantum, in light of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee having received evidence for its Commercialising quantum technologies inquiry started in the previous Parliament. Delegates discussed the way forward for supporting quantum readiness, options for incorporating technology into business workflows, and addressing key barriers in both national and international supply chains.
The conference was also an opportunity to assess approaches to regulation and standardisation, with discussion on the Regulatory Horizons Council’s proposal of a pro-innovation regulatory framework alongside their recommendations across themes of regulation and standards, international collaboration, and innovation funding.
Further sessions considered the way forward for development of post-quantum cryptography to secure against increased capabilities of computing, including priorities for standardisation, implications for IT systems, and opportunities for international collaboration on best practice and the UK Quantum Standards Network Pilot.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Sir Peter Knight, Chair, Strategic Advisory Board, UK National Quantum Technologies Programme; Dr Manjari Chandran-Ramesh, Partner, Amadeus Capital Partners; Dr Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, CEO, Nu Quantum; and Dr Carolina Feijao, Senior Policy Advisor, Research and Innovation, Royal Academy of Engineering.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- the Government’s quantum strategy: assessing ambitions and challenges for the targets - key priorities moving forward - what is needed from policy and stakeholders if targets are to be achieved
- supporting innovation: priorities for regulation - tackling skills gaps and meeting rising demand for the cyber workforce - identifying and promoting practical applications - commercialisation
- from research to rollout: preparations for quantum readiness across sectors - key use-cases and areas for growth - utilising funding - addressing supply chain issues and trade barriers
- investment: priorities for attracting funding into the quantum sector - international investment - addressing scalability challenges of start-ups and small businesses
- regulation: proposals for a pro-innovation approach - standardisation and interoperability - opportunities for international collaboration - development of post-quantum cryptography standards
- maximising take-up: navigating pathways to commercial application - supporting scalability of start-ups and small businesses - opportunities for incorporating technology into business workflows
- adoption in the public sector: assessing quantum readiness - cross-sector collaboration - driving investment and research into healthcare, energy and transport
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who attended from DBT; DESNZ; DfE; DfT; DLUHC; DSIT; Dstl; FCDO; Geospatial Commission; HSE; HMRC; MoD; NAO; NCSC; Ofcom; UKHSA; UKIB; UKSA; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.
The proceedings of the conference will be circulated more widely, to Parliamentarians, ministerial offices, and government and regulatory officials with an interest in the issues being discussed. All delegates will also receive a video recording of the conference.
