This week, the University of Sussex welcomed Peter Kyle into their quantum computing labs.
Visiting as Secretary of State Technology and Innovation, Peter Kyle toured the University’s Falmer campus. He was guided around the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies (SCQT), a research centre focusing on developing quantum technologies.
The SCQT is on the cutting edge of research into quantum. Just one month prior to the visit, Sussex researchers at the SCQT announced a world-record discovery, a ‘world record-beating technique to detect tiny electrical fields 100-times more effectively than currently possible’. During the tour, Peter Kyle learned about the centre’s plans to construct the world’s most powerful supercomputer and the huge economic potential of the project.
Quantum computing is an approach to calculation that uses quantum physics to dramatically speed up processes that would take modern supercomputers thousands of years. It makes difficult and slow problems very easy and very quick. According to the CBI, the UK quantum industry already contributes £1.7bn to the UK economy. Oxford Economics reported that this could increase productivity across the UK economy by up to 7% by 2045, potentially delivering £212 billion of gross value added to UK GDP.
The UK government, led by Peter Kyle’s Department for Science, Technology and Innovation, are aiming to capitalise on this by increasing investment. The Labour government gave a £670 million boost to the quantum sector, part of a broader industrial strategy to invest £2.5bn into quantum computing by 2033.
On his visit, Peter Kyle said:
“The amazing work I have seen at the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum is exactly the kind of regional innovation our Industrial Strategy is designed to support and encourage.”
“The innovations taking place here are a great example of how world-class research and teaching can create the skills and jobs that improve lives right across the country, whilst also maintaining our global position as a pioneer in quantum technologies for the long haul.”
The leader of SCQT, Winfried Hensinger said:
“We were delighted to share with the Secretary of State how Sussex is converting frontier quantum science into practical technology – from record-setting sensing to the engineeringrequired for utility-scale quantum computers.
“It’s a most exciting time being able to say that have some of the world’s most powerful computing technology being developed right here in the UK. We are working on growing astep-changing ‘Quantum Silicon Valley’ and the construction of the world’s most powerful computer right here in Greater Brighton.”
“By working with government and regional partners, we can accelerate new industries, build resilient supply chains and deliver productivity gains for the UK.”
You can read more of this story on the University of Sussex’s site here