Together we explored the commercial opportunities of quantum computing and informed the community on important developments within the UK and elsewhere – such as the €1 billion Quantum EU Flagship and NQIT’s progress towards the UK Quantum Computer Demonstrator, the so-called Q20:20 engine.

Thirty-two organisations attended, including multi-nationals, SMEs and start-ups from a variety of sectors including manufacturing, aerospace, finance, hi-tech, digital, telecoms, oil and gas, and IT.

The day began with an overview of quantum computing from Professor Simon Benjamin, explaining the difference between adiabatic machines and universal fault-tolerant quantum computers. This was followed by presentations about NQIT’s industry-academia partnership projects, such as the collaboration between the University of Warwick and Bruker Gmbh to develop a new, high precision magnetometer, based on diamond colour centres, to detect the tiny magnetic fields emitted by the heart.

The session after lunch presented exciting opportunities for quantum computing, such as the launch of the Atos Quantum Learning Machine, simulating up to 40 qubits. Attendees also heard about the Science and Innovation Audit Oxfordshire and the latest funding opportunities from the UK Government via Innovate UK.

The programme was rounded off with an industrial panel Q&A session on the topic: “What is the commercial future for quantum technologies?” On the panel were Jeremy Ward from Qinetiq, Paolo Bianco from Airbus, Chris Doran from ARM and Charles Radclyffe from Deutsche Bank.

After the Industry Day, Professor Winfried Hensinger, University of Sussex, gave a public lecture entitled “Quantum Computers: The World’s Most Incredible Machines” to a sold out audience of industry partners and members of the public.

Get Involved

We are looking for new partners to participate in research and development of what promises to be a technology of historic importance. There are opportunities to invest in quantum spinouts or to licence available IP for new products and services.

If you would like to come to the next NQIT Industry day or find out more about NQIT then please get in touch:
engage@nqit.ox.ac.uk

Please download the full report on our Industry Day: