We are delighted to join seven other innovative businesses to take part in a Technology Access programme to expedite the development of quantum solutions, and accelerate the practical application of deep tech across industries and operations. With a view to solving complex market challenges, the Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) has returned this year, driving industrial sustainability through innovation, and de-risking the adoption of quantum technologies across key sectors including transport, telecommunications and defence.
QTAP is part of a wider Innovate UK (Industry Strategy Challenge Fund) funded project called ‘Quantum Data Centre of the Future’ which aims to embed a quantum computer within a classical data centre to explore real-world access to quantum technologies. We join other industry partners including ORCA Computing and Riverlane, with the programme seeing Rolls Royce, Airbus and the Port of Dover increase their confidence in quantum computing by 26%.
This year, Digital Catapult welcomes household names to the programme including BAE Systems, and Vodafone, signalling growing industrial interest in the technology, and the spectrum of sectors that could benefit from quantum innovation. With tailored support from a team of experts at Digital Catapult, and access to cutting-edge quantum technology, the support available to participating companies on the 20-week programme will be designed to achieve defined use-cases, and make sustainability and efficiency gains.
The programme will advance industrial sustainability and supply chain resilience by harnessing quantum technologies for resource, process, and decision-making optimisation, with participants including Vodafone developing novel use cases with and an aim to tackle complex telecom challenges such as the NP-Hard Steiner Tree problem, a challenge in optimising telecom networks by finding the most efficient way to connect multiple points.
The full list of participating companies include:
- Autonomia: Autonomia is a start-up born out of its founders’ passion for technology and innovation, with a mission to engineer a smarter and sustainable future through trustworthy and ethical innovation
- BAE Systems PLC: BAE Systems is a global defence and security company offering advanced technology solutions across air, land, sea, and cyberspace
- MBDA: MBDA is a world leader in missile systems offering a comprehensive international product range incorporating today’s most advanced innovations
- Origami Labs UK Ltd: Origami Labs was created to discover and develop the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy technologies. They deliver applied R&D to find solutions to complex problems and accelerate turning innovation into deployable capabilities
- SIMULEX Limited: SIMULEX is a cutting-edge R&D Technology start-up driving Hydrogen integration across CCS, Geothermal, Renewables and Fossil sectors to accelerate the energy transition through advanced chemical and reservoir engineering solutions.
- Viasat: Viasat is a global communications company specialising in satellite technology for high-speed broadband and secure networking
- Vodafone Group Services: Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company. The company provides mobile and fixed services to over 330 million customers in 15 countries, partners with mobile networks in 45 more and has one of the world’s largest IoT platforms
- ZF Automotive UK: ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology
The launch of QTAP represents a significant step in empowering organisations across the UK to explore the possibilities of quantum computing, as research indicates that quantum technology could contribute up to $450 billion to the global economy by 2040. The programme will also play a key role in scaling the solutions of the industry partners, as well as advancing industrial sustainability using quantum innovation.
Daniel Goldsmith, Quantum Computing Technologist, Digital Catapult:
“The ‘quantum revolution’ is underway, and businesses must innovate to integrate quantum technologies into their operations. Doing so will be crucial for their long-term success, and many don’t know where to begin. This is why innovation programmes like QTAP are so valuable to businesses in the UK, and have proven to be a crucial resource to help businesses navigate the complex quantum landscape. I’m looking forward to working with this new cohort to drive innovation and advance the application of deep tech in industry.”
About Digital Catapult:
Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation driving business value by accelerating the application of advanced technologies.
Partnering with government, industry and academia, we focus on significant challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s economy and society, where technology can play a major role in providing solutions. We break down barriers, de-risk innovation, open up markets and responsibly shape the products, services and experiences of the future.
Digital Catapult is part of the Catapult Network that supports businesses in transforming great ideas into valuable products and services. We are a network of world-leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK.