Quantum computing secotr reacts to new £2.5bn UK strategy
The UK government has pledged to invest £2.5 billion in quantum computing over the next 10 years, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced today.
The program is part of the new Spring Budget, which aims to reduce inflation and the risk of a recession.
The UK tech sector will play a central role in the plan. As part of a goal to make the UK a “scientific and technological superpower”, Hunt wants to build a leading “quantum economy” by 2023.
To create this, the government is more than doubling its previous funding commitment to the field. The aim is to attract a further £1 billion in private funding.
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“The next step is for UK VC funding to rise dramatically.
The new program aims to build on strong foundations. The UK currently ranks second in the world for both the number of quantum companies and private investment in the sector.
Andrew Scott, co-founder at 7% companiesan early stage fund supported UK quantum startupssaid the new investment is “vital to Britain’s future prosperity”.
Scott reiterated the government’s call for further private sector funding.
“The next critical step in support of the Prime Minister’s 10-year plan to make the UK a ‘tech superpower’ is for UK venture capital funding to be dramatically increased,” he told TNW.
In particular, Scott hopes for extensive growth in deep tech and later-stage Series A+ financing. To promote this, he wants regional pension funds to dedicate a percentage of their resources to deep tech VC investments.
“Someone like the British Business Bank could manage and deploy VC funds just as they already do through the ECF (Enterprise Capital Funds) and BPC (British Patient Capital) programs,” added Scott.
The government has also been advised to proceed with patience. Sebastian Weidt, the CEO of Universal quantuma University of Sussex spin-out, said the funding needs a long-term view.
“Quantum computing is a marathon, not a sprint,” Weidt told TNW. “That is why we need to support the wide range of promising approaches to quantum computing that we have access to in the UK. And we must avoid focusing only on the short term.”
To support this, the government has created all kinds of commitments on research and training.
“I am curious how we can continue to welcome the best talent in the world.
In addition, the plan contains a series of commitments for international cooperation. They include funding for R&D partnerships with other countries, as well as promises to attract and support talent and companies from abroad.
James Palles-Dimmock, CEO of Quantum movementwhich has recently been increased a UK record £42 millionstresses that the ability to work across borders is essential for the sector.
“Production and talent are two key areas where the benefits of collaboration significantly outweigh the risks,” he said. “And I look forward to seeing how we can continue to welcome the best talent in the world to the UK so we can continue to accelerate the realization of these enabling technologies.”
