Digital Disruptions
Commercially viable quantum computing needs global collaboration, says Imperial's provost
By GC Staff Writer
Krishna Chaitanya Karanam 22 August 2019
Image: Imperial's provost says that commercially viable quantum computing requires global collaboration. Photo: courtesy of Imperial College London.
The race for developing commercially viable quantum computing would need global efforts, wrote Imperial College London provost Professor Ian Walmsley, in an article in Financial Times.
The professor said that the race to develop a viable quantum computer is probably the most exciting thing in modern-day science. However, he cautioned that it would need a global effort from networks of various kinds of researchers, entrepreneurs, capital and governments to reach there.
According to Walmsley, the complexity of some of the hurdles associated with quantum computing can be more difficult than those that were solved at the powerful atom smasher – Large Hadron Collider. Walmsley, who is a quantum physicist, is also the director of the UK's Networked Quantum Information Technologies Hub.
The professor wrote that the UK government's foresight in establishing the National Quantum Technologies Programme in 2013 has fast-tracked research and development of the technologies. Also triggering private investment, the programme has helped total UK government investment to reach £1bn.
Walmsley said: "The UK has a decades-long head start in quantum technologies. Consistent support from research councils and university departments have spurred crucial breakthroughs.
"These leaps in fundamental science – all from British laboratories – are the foundation of today's global industry. It is what has drawn pioneers in quantum metrology such as Ed Hinds back to the UK from the US."
The professor said that competition should be welcomed and not feared in quantum computing by the UK and that the country has to be open to collaboration.
Walmsley believes that the UK can drive the quantum computing revolution if governments, universities and the private sector improve in collaborating.
The Imperial College London provost said: "If China, the US and Germany catch up, the UK will still play a pivotal role – and the race for commercially viable quantum computing will accelerate. It's not a zero-sum game."
Recently, the UK government announced a new £153m programme to commercialise the country's quantum technologies. The funding, which will be supported by £205m from the industry, will help businesses offering quantum-enabled products and in removing technological hurdles to productivity and competitiveness in the UK.
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