Exploring the Future of Quantum: Insights and Trends From the UK National Quantum Showcase

November marked the return of the annual UK National Quantum Showcase which celebrated the first decade of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). With a day-long seminar programme and over 95 exhibitors including quantum suppliers, research bodies and UK-based universities, the showcase offered fascinating insights into the rapidly evolving world of quantum technology.

A few members of TFD’s Quantum Collective team attended the event to support several of our clients as well as deepen our understanding of the quantum ecosystem and the latest technologies.

We wanted to share some key learnings from the day, including exciting research breakthroughs and interesting trends that piqued the team’s interest!

1. Software development supporting quantum hardware

While hardware advancements in quantum computing have been at the forefront of the mainstream news and a priority for investors for a long time, it was clear that quantum is as much about software as it is the hardware. The industry is witnessing a rise in startups focusing specifically on quantum software — from applying AI for quantum computing error correction or quantum compute ML-based circuit design to looking at chemistry problems based around quantum-inspired models.

Quantum software is vital to bridging the gap between hardware advancements and real-world applications, and we anticipate several industry partnerships and M&As between hardware and software players as the race to deploy fault-free quantum systems successfully continues.

2. Quantum-as-a-Service

Software developments are rapidly advancing the possibilities of offering quantum-as-a-service. While this isn’t new to the industry (after all, big players like IBM have been offering the power of qubits to research bodies and private companies for years), it was evident at the Showcase that this is an area attracting heavy investment.

We’re increasingly seeing quantum computing capabilities offered via the cloud, allowing businesses and researchers to leverage quantum without the need for heavy investment in specialised hardware. This not only lowers the barrier to entry but also enables greater experimentation and innovation across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and logistics to finance and cybersecurity. A recent example here in the UK is the opening of the new quantum facility at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) which offers both public and private sector access to 12 quantum computers.

3. Advancing Healthcare with Quantum

An application that especially caught our eye was the possibilities opened up by quantum-powered brain imaging, courtesy of Cerca Magnetics Ltd’s OPM-MEG system. Traditional brain imaging technologies such as MRI scans can only create images of brain structure. But thanks to new developments, we can now image actual brain function and measure the electrical pulses between brain cells that affect our senses, movement, cognition and attention.

This is accomplished by using optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM), a new type of non-cryogenic magnetic field sensor with extreme sensitivity that is revolutionising our understanding of brain health and diseases. Taking the shape of a helmet, the OPM-MEG system provides a non-invasive record of electrophysiological brain activity. To date, clinical applications include epilepsy, autism, concussion and dementia.

4. The Quantum Workforce 

In addition to technological advancements, one of the main topics discussed at the event was the need to build a quantum workforce to continue driving innovation in this field. As quantum moves from the lab to the marketplace, it's clear that investment in talent and training will be just as crucial as the technology itself.

As a result, we’re witnessing an increased focus on industry workshops, internships and apprenticeship programs to entice young people into the world of quantum.

5. Commercialising Quantum

One of the key themes that emerged at the Showcase was the importance of commercialising quantum to deliver customer value. Several companies presented their approaches to translating quantum research into real-world solutions, emphasising that the true value of quantum for customers lies not in the technology itself, but in its capabilities and the problems it could solve.

One example of this was the presentation by Delta.g, a quantum technology spinout from the University of Birmingham. Their quantum sensing technology enables improved navigation, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring. The company is currently collaborating with the UK Department for Transport to create a field-ready technology demonstration of its quantum-enabled system.

What was particularly interesting to us was the emphasis on customer-centricity. As Tony Lowe, CEO of Delta.g explained, the end customer isn’t necessarily interested in the technology itself, they care about what the technology can do for them. To bridge the gap between early adopters and the mainstream market, quantum products must be available, attainable, and integrateable into existing workflows. Here, he stressed that collaboration with industry partners is critical to ensure that quantum technologies meet the real-world needs of customers.