The UK’s government must maintain its financial support for quantum computing to preserve decades of investment. Without sustained public funding, the quantum industry may struggle to survive on private investment alone, causing potential setbacks to Britain’s leading position. The investment uncertainty follows a significant cut in previously promised funding, leading to concerns among industry experts. Additionally, export restrictions further complicate the situation, highlighting the need for international collaboration in quantum research.
The UK government is facing calls from industry insiders to continue its financial support for quantum computing, a sector that has positioned the country as a leading player globally. Without this support, there is a risk of undoing decades of progress and investment. According to a white paper from Phasecraft, a business specializing in quantum algorithms, the industry relies heavily on a combination of public and private funding. Currently, it employs around a quarter of a million people in the UK, creating significant economic impact.
Quantum technology is described as a high-risk, high-reward sector that demands consistent and predictable investment from the public sector to support ongoing research and development. The white paper emphasizes that this would not only aid in current projects but also attract more private investments, which are crucial for transitioning breakthroughs from laboratories to real-world applications. It warns that failing to maintain public investment will compromise the UK’s ability to compete globally in quantum computing, risking the loss of decades of investment.
Recent reports have revealed that the UK government has canceled £1.3 billion in funding committed by the previous administration for tech and AI projects. This includes significant funds that had been intended for creating a supercomputer at Edinburgh University and establishing a new AI Research Resource. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology cited the need to make difficult spending decisions across all departments due to numerous unfunded commitments as the reason for this withdrawal, raising substantial concerns in the tech sector.
Alongside funding concerns, the Phasecraft white paper also points out the issues arising from the prohibition of quantum computer exports from the UK and other European nations. This restriction is seen as a worrying sign by manufacturers and users who depend on international cooperation to further their research and development initiatives. Ashley Montanaro, CEO of Phasecraft, highlighted that while technological advancements are happening rapidly, private investments alone are insufficient to sustain growth. He stressed the importance of continued government support, which has been a critical factor for startups in the UK, the US, and China.
Phasecraft, founded by distinguished quantum scientists from University College London and University of Bristol, has become an authoritative voice in quantum technology since its inception in 2019. The firm’s co-founders, who have extensive research backgrounds, underline the urgency of sustained government funding to maintain the momentum of growth and innovation in the quantum sector.
The UK’s quantum computing industry stands at a crossroads, where continued public funding is crucial to preserve its global leadership and economic impact.
