UK Announces Four Quantum-Tech Hubs

The universities of Oxford, Birmingham, York and Glasgow have been named as the primary locations for the investment, which amounts to £120 million ($189 million). Overall, 17 higher-education institutions and 132 companies will be involved in the program. The money comes from a larger £270 million ($425 million) investment in quantum technologies, announced by UK chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne in his 2013 Autumn Statement.

Quantum technology is a relatively new area of physics and engineering, which explores the more esoteric and surreal aspects of quantum mechanics.

The investment's aim is to ensure the transfer of quantum technology from theory into practical industry usage. Each "hub" has its own objective - Oxford, for example, will aim to build the Q20:20 quantum computer through its Hub for Networked Quantum Information Technologies (NQIT) and coordinate research on quantum simulation. Birmingham will focus its attention on quantum sensing and metrology, Glasgow on imaging, and York on quantum communications.

"Realizing the potential of quantum technologies is a significant scientific and engineering challenge," says Professor Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor at the University of York said. "York's expertise in quantum communications across disciplines ─ including computer science, mathematics and physics ─ is at the heart of a unique and exceptionally strong partnership that will drive the hub towards its objective of exploiting excellent research to support UK industry and business."

Applications of quantum technology, outside of the raw computing power of such machines, include development of machine learning and highly secure communications networks.

"Quantum computing will enable users to solve problems that are completely intractable on conventional supercomputers," says said Professor Ian Walmsley, of Oxford University's department of physics and NQIT's director. "Meanwhile, quantum simulation provides a way to understand and predict the properties of complex systems like advanced new materials or drugs, by using a quantum device to mimic the system under study."