The UK government has announced a £106 million investment for five new quantum hubs in the UK which will focus on research in areas including healthcare, security and clean energy.
The hubs will focus on areas such as quantum-enhanced blood tests and faster MRI scanners, as well as new surgical interventions and treatments.
This could mean faster detection of diseases like cancer, with the government adding that this would allow for earlier medical interventions which could save lives.
The hubs will be led by universities across the UK, including the University of Birmingham and the University of Cambridge, which will also working closely with industry partners.
The government said the collaboration will ensures that research translates into “real-world” applications that benefit the public, including technology related to national security such as developing aircraft which are resistant to GPS jamming.
Scientists working at the hubs will also work on a “quantum internet,” which could create secure and future-proof communication networks, safeguarding sensitive data and communications infrastructure.
The government claims that the new hubs will lead to increased economic growth in the UK as the technologies can be sold and exported to drive GDP growth in the UK.
“This isn’t just about research; it’s about putting that research to work,” said the secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, Peter Kyle. “These hubs will bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and practical solutions.
“They will not only transform sectors like healthcare and security, but also create a culture of accelerated innovation that helps to grow our economy.”
