Please see the Nature Innovation Forum website for more details.

Application deadline: 15 January 2016

Nature and Entrepreneur First, in collaboration with Innovate UK, want to help inspire and educate today’s young scientists in quantum physics to become tomorrow’s quantum-technology entrepreneurs. They want to first train young quantum physicists to come up with ideas for quantum-technology start-ups with global reach and then provide them with the opportunity to discuss those ideas with investors, experienced entrepreneurs and researchers from industry.

Advised by Entrepreneur First and Nature, a selection of PhD students and postdocs in quantum physics will work out what viable ideas for quantum-technology start-ups look like.

Following a 6–8 week programme of sessions (in person or via telephone) with Entrepreneur First and Nature editors, the participants will present their best ideas for the commercialization of their research to a panel of venture capitalists, industry researchers and entrepreneurs during a presentation day in London.

Do you have what it takes to start a quantum-technology company?

If you are a young scientist in quantum physics, this is your chance to get a better understanding of what a successful quantum-technology start-up looks like and to discuss your ideas with leading figures from industry and academia. If you are interested in developing ideas that have the potential to turn quantum research into technology companies with global impact, then you should apply.

For more information, see the About and Apply pages.

Contact: InnovationForum@nature.com

Confirmed panel members:

• Professor Polina Bayvel (University College London, Head of Optical Networks Group)
• Professor Khaled Karrai (Co-founder and Scientific Director of attocube)
• Sir Peter Knight FRS (The Kavli Royal Society, Imperial College)
• Dr Richard Murray (Emerging Technologies and Industries, Innovate UK)
• Dr Hartmut Neven (Director of Engineering at Google, Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory)
• Dr Andrew Rickman (Founder and CEO of Rockley Photonics and Chairman of the Rockley Investment Group)
• Dr Frances Saunders CB FREng FRInstP (President of the Institute of Physics 2013–2015)
• Welcome address by Sir Philip Campbell (Editor-in-Chief of Nature).

Important dates

Application deadline: 15 January 2016
You will be notified by 15 February about the decision
Programme phase: March and April 2016
Presentation day: 6 May 2016