The quantum technologies (QT) sector is innovative and exciting. But the principles behind these technologies are rather complex, which makes it harder to understand their true potential.
In November 2021, with COVID-19 restrictions easing, I was able to visit the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase in London to see how companies and the industry were getting on.
What is the quantum showcase?
If you’re not familiar with the quantum showcase, it’s an event that really covers the breadth of QT and is open to participants from:
- industry
- business
- public sector
- government.
The quantum showcase gives you the opportunity to learn about the problem-solving capabilities of quantum tech applied to real life situations. While avoiding the over-hype that sometimes arise when discussing this kind of technologies.
At the showcase contributors present the latest developments in quantum tech and engage in conversations with potential clients and collaborators from across the quantum landscape.
By attending, visitors gain insights into quantum capabilities that are close to market and knowledge of real-life uses of the technologies.
What happened in 2021
Last year’s showcase was the first opportunity to directly see all the progress made in the QT sector in the past two years.
It was held as a physical event on 5 November 2021 at the Business Design Centre in London. The showcase attracted more than 60 exhibitors who demonstrated to over 700 people the growing commercialisation and industrialisation opportunities of QT in the UK.
Watch a one minute recap of the 2021 showcase:
Video credit: UKRI
On-screen captions and an autogenerated transcript are available on YouTube.
Substantial breakthroughs
They presented substantial breakthroughs across:
- automotive
- healthcare
- infrastructure
- telecommunications
- cybersecurity
- defense.
These developments were particularly significant because the researchers and industrial developers had to overcome substantial complications during the pandemic, from limited access to facilities to supply chain disruption.
Industry experts
Opened by Roger McKinlay, Director of the commercialising QT challenge, he highlighted how the QT challenge has contributed to the development of the QT sector in the UK.
This was followed by remarks from Sir Peter Knight who presented the aims and successes of the National Quantum Technologies Programme. Representatives from each of the Quantum Technology Hubs also spoke of their progress.
At the end of the day, Roger closed the event with a call to action to increase collaboration, raise awareness and continue investment into QT in the UK.
Roger McKinlay talking about the National Quantum Technologies Programme at the National Quantum Technologies Showcase. Credit: Adam Gasson
New year, new venue
Because of the success of the 2021 event, we’ve had to move to a bigger venue.
On 11 November 2022, the showcase will take over the QEII conference centre in London.
We’re planning for over 700 people to join around 70 exhibitors to explore the incredible depth and breadth this country has to offer in QT.
Alongside the exhibitors, each of the quantum hubs will present and we’ll have seminars from some of the most important companies in the QT sector.
Come see first-hand the latest developments and meet with the leading groups in the sector.
I hope to see you in November!
Top image: Exhibitors and attendees interacting face to face at the National Quantum Technologies Showcase. Credit: Adam Gasson
