Quantum Technology

What is quantum technology?

Quantum technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics, the physics of sub-atomic particles, to improve the performance of products and services, and create entirely new opportunities.

Why quantum technology matters

Governments around the world are investing billions to develop quantum technology and capture the enormous economic opportunity – the global quantum technology market will be worth $13.3 billion by 2023, according to market intelligence company Mind Commerce.

Where quantum technology is going

In the next 20 years, quantum technology will bring significant reliability, speed, accuracy and security improvements to the performance of products and services in manufacturing, healthcare, defence, supply chains, financial services and telecoms.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Quantum technology business guide

Find out why you should act on the quantum technology opportunity now, how the technology will evolve, and what you need to do to effectively plan your investment in it.

Download the guide

MORE ABOUT QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY

Quantum enables a wide range of technologies, from more accurate ways of sensing the environment to revolutionising computing. The quantum technology that's entering the market today typically uses existing technologies, such as fibre-optics, integrated circuits and power supplies, and precise mechanical engineering to achieve new functions. For manufacturers, healthcare organisations, defence organisations, supply chains, financial services and telecoms companies, exploring quantum technology should be an immediate priority.

Quantum sensing

It will soon be possible to have perfectly accurate navigation under water, to sense changes in gravity that reveal potential earthquakes, to monitor brain activity on the go, and even to see round corners. And in our everyday lives, quantum sensing will secure navigation, enhance medical imaging and show us what's beneath our feet. Explore more in our article in CW Journal.

Quantum computing

Quantum computing isn't a sci-fi dream. It's here and ready for businesses to experiment with. It won't replace servers and laptops yet, but by testing quantum computers today, organisations can gain a competitive advantage as the technology matures and becomes an essential part of business. Take a deep dive into quantum computing with our experts.

Quantum timing

Atomic clocks date back to the mid-1950s when Louis Essen developed the first caesium atomic clock at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Accuracy has since improved by six orders of magnitude to around 10-16 and the new chip scale atomic clock (CSAC) with reduced size, weight and power has opened up new applications. Our quantum tech expert explains more.

HOW IMPORTANT IS QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ORGANISATION?

We can’t predict the exact impact of quantum technology, but we can explore how it could develop to help us imagine what a quantum-enabled world would look like. By using our FutureWorlds™ tool, we can anticipate potential future scenarios, accounting for potential disruptions and disrupters, so you can start building your quantum technology strategy.

FutureWorlds™ Scenario Planning Tool

How will quantum impact your business?

Explore our summary Quantum FutureWorld™ to find out. Start here.

Healthcare

Defence

Construction and utilities

Finance

Pharmaceuticals

Telecommunications

Other

Quantum technology and its application to business is advancing rapidly. Position the sliders where you think quantum will be in the year 2040.

There is a quantum skilled workforce

There is a quantum skills shortage

Governments pool resources and invest proactively long term to grow the ecosystem

Governments make niche, short term investments

Quantum cloud access is available for everyone

Quantum is only available through on-site hardware

Quantum is developed for the masses

Quantum is used by specialist functions

There are many quantum suppliers

There is one leading quantum supplier

Businesses collaborate on R&D through consortia

Business compete to be first

Quantum technology and its application to business is advancing rapidly. Position the sliders where you think quantum will be in the year 2040.

Research is fast and agile

Research is slow and cumbersome

There are few regulation barriers

There are many regulation barriers

Industry is pioneering research Research is for academic interest

Universities are pioneering research

Quantum development is for business advantage

Quantum development is for political advantage

Computational need outstrips the technology available

Computational needs are met conventionally

The target market is mainly commercial and investment portfolio diverse

The target market is mainly defence and investment portfolio highly focused

We’re processing your answers

Results

Your selections reveal where your current thinking places you across four contrasting future world scenarios. Click on each world to explore the implications for your business.

In practice, other people in your organisation may answer these questions in different ways at different times. To develop a robust strategic view of the impact of quantum on your business, we recommend bringing your people together to explore the questions and underlying drivers in the context of your organisation.

In reality, the future will remain uncertain, however by considering the extremes represented by these four worlds, you can identify commonalities which you can prepare for now, as well as identify key drivers for your business which you can monitor, with full understanding of their likely consequences.

The new normal

Side by side

Quantum race

Pole position

What's THE world like?

The world of quantum technologies in your everyday life

This is a consumer-centric world where quantum technology is a service. Quantum devices, such as GPS and quantum computer chips, are integrated into mobile devices and cars. Quantum cloud computers are accessible to everyone, making computation quick and easy. Quantum technologies have completely replaced existing technologies. Markets are diverse and varied, with high investment from private companies. Quantum computers elevate the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning to new heights. The new technologies enable and stabilise communities. This world can’t imagine life before quantum.

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What's THE world like?

World of government collaboration and coexistence

Quantum technologies are integrated into society for public good. Healthcare is more advanced than ever, with quantum enhanced imagers for diagnostics. Government funded projects use highly accurate quantum sensors to build houses in previously uninhabitable areas, helping to solve the housing shortage. There’s a sense of security online, as quantum safe encryption is available to everyone. University hubs across the globe are a diverse and exciting mix of quantum specialists pioneering the second quantum revolution. Quantum is here to stabilise, but not revolutionise.

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What's THE world like?

World of fierce competition to obtain security

Quantum technologies are used for political power and advantage. The military is thriving, with the use of quantum sensors and imaging allowing soldiers to see around corners and in the dark. Quantum clocks and quantum navigation devices make military operations significantly smoother. There’s a sense of fear among the public for their online data and privacy. University research is highly focused on quantum secure communications and sensor technology. Legislation and protocol is fragmented and country specific. Many industries have undergone a digital transformation to cope with the incoming security threat of quantum computers.

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What's THE world like?

World of exclusivity for big business

This is a world for big business. Quantum technology is highly developed but only accessible to those who can pay the price. This is an ownership world where companies purchase devices such as imagers and sensors at a high cost to give them an advantage over their competitors. Large businesses have optimised everything from their supply chain to their data analytics using quantum computers. One main quantum computer provider reigns supreme.

Get in touch with our experts Download the worlds

What’s the impact on my industry?

You told us you’re in the industry:

To find out what quantum means for you, get in touch with our team to run the FutureWorlds™ exercise for your business.

Diverse new quantum technologies dramatically improve hospitals
Private hospitals purchase devices, while public hospitals lease devices

Global security threats lessen
Lower demand for sensors
Secure communications available to all governments

Projects faster and more efficient for all companies
Projects optimised with quantum computers

Quantum clouds used as a service for data analytics
Rapid digital transformation to mitigate cyber security risk

Quantum simulators used to develop new drugs
Clouds enable rapid and cheap research opening diverse new drug market

Quantum communications available at consumer level
Quantum clocks and optics used for 5G and quantum GPS integrated into cars and mobile devices

Diverse new quantum technologies dramatically improve hospitals
Private hospitals purchase devices, while public hospitals lease devices

Global security threats lessen
Lower demand for sensors
Secure communications available to all governments

Projects faster and more efficient for all companies
Projects optimised with quantum computers

Quantum clouds used as a service for data analytics
Rapid digital transformation to mitigate cyber security risk

Quantum simulators used to develop new drugs
Clouds enable rapid and cheap research opening diverse new drug market

Quantum communications available at consumer level
Quantum clocks and optics used for 5G and quantum GPS integrated into cars and mobile devices

What’s the impact on my industry?

You told us you’re in the industry:

To find out what quantum means for you, get in touch with our team to run the FutureWorlds™ exercise for your business.

Quantum enhanced medical imagers replace X-rays
Hospital efficiency improves and revenue pressures lessen

Military budgets decrease
Global tensions subside
Incremental improvements as 3D imaging and sensors become available

Gravity imagers used to help build homes in uninhabitable areas through government funded housing projects
Rise of urbanisation

Less investment in computers and quantum safe communications
Blockchain safe against quantum hackers

Quantum simulations to develop new drugs
Competitive and diverse drug market
New cancer drugs developed

Small private market for cyber security as cyber attacks decline
Quantum Key Distribution available to protect privacy rights of public

Quantum enhanced medical imagers replace X-rays
Hospital efficiency improves and revenue pressures lessen

Military budgets decrease
Global tensions subside
Incremental improvements as 3D imaging and sensors become available

Gravity imagers used to help build homes in uninhabitable areas through government funded housing projects
Rise of urbanisation

Less investment in computers and quantum safe communications
Blockchain safe against quantum hackers

Quantum simulations to develop new drugs
Competitive and diverse drug market
New cancer drugs developed

Small private market for cyber security as cyber attacks decline
Quantum Key Distribution available to protect privacy rights of public

What’s the impact on my industry?

You told us you’re in the industry:

To find out what quantum means for you, get in touch with our team to run the FutureWorlds™ exercise for your business.

Existing diagnostic imagers still in use
Efficiency issues remain and revenue pressures mount

Heightened global security threats
Military budgets increased
Breakthrough improvements in security and sensors

Gravity imagers developed
Construction has limited access to this market as sensors are not highly commercialised

Financial security systems undergo large scale transformation to protect against cyber attacks
Blockchain no longer safe against quantum hacking

Limited new market opportunities
Cancer research plateaus

Huge market for secure communications
Huge boom in telecommunications

Existing diagnostic imagers still in use
Efficiency issues remain and revenue pressures mount

Heightened global security threats
Military budgets increased
Breakthrough improvements in security and sensors

Gravity imagers developed
Construction has limited access to this market as sensors are not highly commercialised

Financial security systems undergo large scale transformation to protect against cyber attacks
Blockchain no longer safe against quantum hacking

Limited new market opportunities
Cancer research plateaus

Huge market for secure communications
Huge boom in telecommunications

What’s the impact on my industry?

You told us you’re in the industry:

To find out what quantum means for you, get in touch with our team to run the FutureWorlds™ exercise for your business.

Private hospitals can afford the new quantum devices
Less investment in public healthcare

Defence is an early adopter of sensor technology
Secure communications more fragmented - available to different markets at different times

Larger construction companies purchase sensor devices
Smaller construction companies struggle to compete

Quantum computers used for data analytics
Disjointed and chaotic digital transitions

Quantum computers used to develop new drugs
Costly equipment burdens the business yet opens a diverse new drug market

Cyber security threat drives market
Exclusive access to companies
Not aimed at consumers

Private hospitals can afford the new quantum devices
Less investment in public healthcare

Defence is an early adopter of sensor technology
Secure communications more fragmented - available to different markets at different times

Larger construction companies purchase sensor devices
Smaller construction companies struggle to compete

Quantum computers used for data analytics
Disjointed and chaotic digital transitions

Quantum computers used to develop new drugs
Costly equipment burdens the business yet opens a diverse new drug market

Cyber security threat drives market
Exclusive access to companies
Not aimed at consumers

Prepare for a quantum-powered future

Get in touch to find out how we can help define your quantum strategy, accelerate quantum prototypes or advise on the global quantum ecosystem.

Contact us now

QUANTUM IN ACTION

Strengthening global navigation with quantum technology

Global Navigation Satellite Systems are vulnerable to technical outages, cyberattacks, atmospheric disruptions and interference. Quantum technology eliminates these and ensures zero drift – meaning it can locate and navigate vehicles with pinpoint accuracy in any environment. It could even protect from accidental and malicious attack. That's why we worked with Airbus Blue Sky, ColdQuanta and Fraunhofer UK as part of the InnovateUK-sponsored High-BIAS project to develop a proof of concept for a portable quantum sensing device.

Explore more

Designing a new quantum technology

We designed the blueprint for a radically new type of radio receiver for DSTL, with the potential to transform the UK’s most critical communication capabilities including defence, security and emergency communications. The first of its kind in Europe, it will play a key role in positioning the UK at the forefront of quantum development and application. Crucially, it will also help to make the communications infrastructure on which our way of life depends more resilient and more secure than ever.

We can help you

To make the most of quantum technologies, you’ll need strategies tailored to your market and organisation. Building such a strategy takes an understanding of both quantum technologies and your industry. That’s why we take a system-wide approach, putting quantum technology into a disruptive plan across commercial, technical and operational functions.

That means we'll work with you to:
- build the business case for change through market, customer and technology insights that identify opportunities for quantum technologies
- design business models to take advantage of quantum technologies
- create the development plan and roadmap for market entry
- design a strategy with sustainability and circularity in mind
- mitigate any ethical concerns around quantum technology, such as privacy
- carefully introduce quantum technology to minimise disruption in your organisation and bring your people along on the journey
- develop investment strategies.
Responding quickly to quantum technology opportunities requires rapid prototype development so you can test their commercial potential. Our diverse teams of scientists, engineers and strategists work with our quantum and industry experts to accelerate product development using agile methods.

That means we'll work with you to:
- rapidly develop quantum prototypes at our Global Innovation and Technology Centre
- create enduring partnerships with academia to capitalise on the latest research
- establish and foster supply chains to bring sustainable products to life
- design and build products by integrating quantum and conventional technologies
- scale from prototype to product at pace.
For quantum technology to reach its potential, governments need to build public confidence in it, ensure ideas can move easily from research to reality, and remove hurdles to export. Meanwhile, investors need to understand the development paths of the technology, explore its full potential and find new ways to assess risk and reward. Our quantum technology experts draw on the experience of our industry, public sector and economics specialists to advise on all these areas.

That means we'll work with you to:
- deliver complex cross-organisation programmes
- advise on how to link end users and quantum innovators
- understand and overcome national and international blockers to export
- assess the evolution path to understand a technology’s full potential
- rebalance risk and reward assessments to cater for such a disruptive new technology.

related insights

Why financial services need to experiment with quantum computing

Quantum computing is closer to reality than ever. For financial services, this is highlighting a pressing need to act on the imminent quantum computing future.

Innovating successfully in defence and security

The UK Government is getting better at innovating in defence and security, but there are opportunities to do much more to implement innovation at pace.

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When you put bright people and brilliant technology together, amazing things happen. That’s why our internship programme, now in its seventh year, takes a different approach to inspire and challenge penultimate-year university students.