Concerns rise as UK quantum computing sector faces potential setbacks.
- Government’s withdrawal of £1.3 billion funding sends shockwaves.
- British start-ups fear falling behind US and China in technology race.
- Experts caution dependence on foreign advancements without proper investment.
- Government maintains commitment with new £100 million funding initiative.
Concerns are growing among British start-up founders as the UK grapples with funding cuts in the critical sector of quantum computing. The decision in August to withdraw £1.3 billion in promised funding for technology and AI projects has instigated apprehension across the industry. Quantum computing is seen to be at a critical juncture, and the UK’s position in the global race is now under scrutiny.
Ashley Montanaro and Toby Cubitt, co-founders of Phasecraft, an enterprise developed from University College London and the University of Bristol, are at the forefront of this concern. They emphasize the widening gap in investment when compared to the United States and China, who are securing significant advancements by heavily investing in quantum technologies. Montanaro underscores the indispensable role of government support as the primary source of funding for start-ups in this field.
Phasecraft, founded in 2019, is dedicated to developing algorithms aimed at bringing quantum computing closer to practical application. Despite the challenging landscape, the company has managed to secure $21 million in funding and expand to the US, attracting talent such as Steve Flammia, a former principal research scientist at Amazon Web Services.
Montanaro and Cubitt have called on the UK government to sustain public investment in the quantum computing arena until the sector is self-sustaining. Without continued support, they warn, the UK risks losing its competitive edge. Furthermore, they highlight the danger of regulations hampering international collaborations, stressing that innovation will prevail despite barriers.
While the government has retracted significant funding, it remains committed to the sector, introducing £100 million for new research hubs, including one specifically focused on quantum computing at the University of Oxford. A Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology spokesperson reiterated the importance of backing the UK’s quantum sector and taking a long-term approach to research funding.
The UK’s quantum computing industry is at a crucial crossroads, dependent on strategic investments and policies to remain competitive globally.
