(SciTechEuropa) UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a new body which works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.
Roger McKinlay, challenge director for Quantum Technologies at UKRI. McKinlay is currently overseeing the £20m pioneer challenge for Quantum Technologies, which aims to engage researchers to translate quantum science into quantum engineering and engage manufacturers who can use this work to develop new quantum-enabled devices and products. These technologies could transform whole sectors of the economy, from automotive and telecommunications to healthcare, infrastructure and cyber security.
The national quantum technology programme has several parts. At the heart are four academic hubs: one on imaging, which is based in Glasgow and another is based in Birmingham, which is in quantum sensing, which includes for example the detection of gravity. The third hub is at York University and focuses on communications, and the fourth is in Oxford which is on computing.
Not one of those hubs is working on just fundamental scientific research. They also have scientific research programmes but the main focus is is about commercialising the technology.
UKRI’s National Quantum Technology Program Focused on Commercializing
