I’ve been working in quantum technologies at the University of Bristol since 2011. Back then, quantum tech was known to only a handful of scientists, and most conversations involved the phrase “in theory”. But some pioneering work in Bristol, from the invention of the world’s first integrated quantum photonic chip to the creation of a thriving cluster of quantum startups, were instrumental in lighting the blue touch paper on a geopolitical and scientific race in quantum technologies. 

The National Quantum Strategy

Twelve years later and the UK Government has just announced a further £2.5 billion in a National Quantum Strategy to be spread over ten years, starting 2024. The aim is to ensure the UK remains one of the top three countries in terms of national quantum investment, and more than doubles the £1bn already committed.

“This level of investment is remarkable given the sector’s humble beginnings not so long ago.”

The Government’s plan is to attract significant additional private investment by committing to long term funding certainty to support the development of new technologies, the training of a new generation of quantum scientists and engineers, and the commercialisation of quantum technologies to make the UK a world leader in the sector.

The Bristol deep-tech cluster

This commitment presents a major opportunity for Bristol to become a global centre for quantum research and commercialisation. Bristol is already responsible for creating a third of all quantum startups in the UK, and is home to companies including Phasecraft, QLM, KETS and Fluoretiq.

Quantum startups have benefited from University of Bristol’s world-renowned quantum science research groups, including the Quantum Information Institute and QET Labs, and our innovation incubators, QTEC and SETsquared Bristol. Lab spaces including the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre (QTIC) and Science Creates have created critical infrastructure. The University of Bristol’s new £500m Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, and private investors such as Mission Street and BentallGreenOak are set to add further scale to future proof this emerging deep-tech cluster.

Disruptive thinking

Now is the time for some much-needed disruption. It's ironic perhaps, but the existing innovation model is itself in need of innovation to challenge us to think in new, more collaborative ways.

International markets will be shaped not only by national-level investment but by large, predominantly US, tech companies who are investing in similar orders of magnitude with a commercial mindset and shareholder value at the forefront of their thinking. As these multi-national companies know, it's not enough to have the best ideas, the best network, the knowledge or access to investment. The key driver of success is workforce talent and they, rightly, go to great lengths to acquire and retain it.

The best way emerging startups can diversify their talent pool is to engage with underserved and underrepresented communities – those who bring fresh insights and new relationships with the wider world. Our classically trained Queensbury rules innovators are no match for the self-taught street fighters found globally, but how do you recruit them? And if you do, how will you cherish their differences and avoid assimilation? To connect with them and harness their talent will require more imagination.

Bristol - a new model for innovation

At Bristol, we believe a new model for innovation should include projects that focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. I say this because we've seen the positive impact of pilot programmes we've run at SETsquared Bristol where, for example, 45% of our founders are now women. With extra funding we could do so much more. Here's where I'd start:

Quantum Diversity and Inclusion Charter

A voluntary charter setting out a commitment to promoting EDI in the quantum technology and commercial research sector.

Quantum Technology Enterprise Zone

Funding for training and development programmes designed to increase the participation of women and underrepresented groups in the sector - delivered by community organisations.

Quantum Technology Skills Programme

Designed to train a new generation of quantum professionals focussing on accessibility to people from all backgrounds and with a curriculum that reflects the diversity of the population.

These ideas are just a few examples of the many ways that a new model of innovation can be established.

Quantum Frontier

The future of quantum technology is still to be written. A new approach that puts people at the centre of innovation and creates access for previously excluded or underrepresented communities will act as an inspirational draw that will, in turn, attract more talent, more investment and more business. It's a winning formula we've successfully trialled in Bristol that we’re calling Quantum Frontier. It’s where forward-thinking organisations and individuals can collaborate to bring quantum technology out of the lab and into the world - for the benefit of all.

 Join us at the Frontier