Heriot-Watt University is poised to spearhead a quantum technology initiative aimed at addressing the £27 billion annual cost of cyber-crime to UK businesses, as part of a £160 million government investment to establish Britain as a global leader in quantum innovation and cybersecurity.
The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub, led by Heriot-Watt, is one of the five new quantum technology hubs announced by the UK government. This hub will concentrate on developing the core of a national quantum network capable of distributing quantum entanglement.
The primary advantage of this quantum network will be enhanced cybersecurity resistant to hacking, while also connecting advanced future quantum computers and creating new opportunities in fields such as healthcare, including accelerated drug discovery and personalized treatment plans.
Additionally, quantum networks could eventually be utilized to link quantum sensors for ultra-low-noise measurements.
The IQN Hub will generate the necessary research to support the creation of a quantum internet. Unlike current encryption methods, quantum networks use quantum mechanics principles to create unbreakable encryption keys, making them immune to hacking attempts.
“Imagine an internet that uses the principles of quantum physics to secure data,” said Professor Gerald Buller, who will lead the IQN at Heriot-Watt.
“Unlike our current systems, which can be cracked given enough time and computing power, quantum encryption creates keys that are essentially unbreakable. It’s like having a lock that changes every time someone tries to pick it.
“The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub will provide the research required towards the establishment of a quantum internet,” Professor Buller continued. “The Hub harnesses the excellent research done over the last ten years in the National Quantum Technologies Programme to focus on delivering quantum networks at a range of distance scales, from local networks up to global satellite-based connections.”
Heriot-Watt’s role extends beyond the IQN Hub, with the university also playing significant roles in three of the other four newly announced quantum hubs. These include hubs focused on quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing, quantum biomedical sensing, and quantum sensing, imaging, and timing.
“The launch of five new quantum hubs is a significant milestone for the UK and represents a major shift in data security and cutting-edge applications across all sectors,” said Professor Gill Murray, Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt University.
“The UK has established itself as an early pioneer, aligned with the government’s national quantum strategy aiming to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2035. These hubs form a critical piece of that roadmap by tackling key research and development challenges around quantum networking, sensing, computing, and more.
“For Heriot-Watt University specifically, the IQN Hub has several roles to play. It will firstly keep Scotland and the UK at the forefront of quantum technologies and transform the modern economy and society.
“Secondly, it’s a notable step forward for the education sector as universities like ours will be at the forefront of developing and upskilling the future workforce working and living in a quantum-enabled future across design, engineering, manufacturing, and the required support services.
“We also anticipate interest in the IQN Hub to attract talent to the UK from around the world that will drive international partnerships and business opportunities. We are incredibly eager to get stuck in and help develop a robust workforce and supply chain pipeline.”
The IQN Hub will unite a network of over 40 non-academic collaborators, including startups, multinational corporations, the National Cyber Security Centre, and Scottish Enterprise. It will receive over £20 million in partner support to help translate quantum innovations into new products and services.
The five new quantum hubs are being delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with a £106 million investment from EPSRC, the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, the UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Industry collaboration is a key element, with substantial cash and in-kind contributions from partners totaling more than £54 million.
The new model leverages significant progress in extending quantum memory storage times to greatly expand en
Partner universities include the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, National Physical Laboratory, Queen’s University Belfast, RAL Space STFC, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, University of Warwick, and University of York.
“We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives,” said Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle.
“That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs, by supporting the deployment of technology that will mean faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats, and cleaner energy for us all.
“This isn’t just about research; it’s about putting that research to work. 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.”
As the UK aims to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2035, these hubs are a crucial part of the national quantum strategy. They are expected to drive entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regulatory input into the rapidly emerging UK quantum industry, potentially leading to significant economic growth and job creation in the coming years.