Science, Innovation and Investment Minister Chris McDonald has announced a package worth £78 million for quantum technologies, supply chains and skills.
The largest element is a £50 million competition for businesses developing quantum sensing and positioning, navigation and timing systems. The projects are intended to move technology beyond early testing and towards commercial products.
Among the successful projects are a West Midlands-led system designed to locate railway faults where GPS cannot reach, a portable eye scanner developed by a Bristol-based company and a mobile radio system with defence and emergency-response applications.
UK Research and Innovation is also investing £20 million in quantum communications networks. That funding includes work on specialist components such as lasers and photonic chips intended to strengthen domestic supply chains.
An £8 million expansion of the QuEST apprenticeship programme will create training routes for engineering and specialist quantum technicians. The scheme aims to equip 150 apprentices with relevant skills by 2030.
The announcement forms part of the Government's goal of making the UK a leading country for quantum sensing by 2030. McDonald said the support was intended to turn research breakthroughs into products, jobs and practical improvements in public services.
