Britain's Quantum Ambition: From Mobile Era to Quantum Dominance
When Tom Adeyoola graduated from university, Britain was celebrating its triumph in the mobile era with Vodafone becoming the world's largest company. British consumers enjoyed mobile phones before their American counterparts, marking a period of technological leadership. However, subsequent decades saw America dominate the internet era with giants like Google and Amazon, while China emerged as a cleantech powerhouse in solar power, wind energy, batteries, and electric vehicles. Currently, the United States is pouring unprecedented investments into artificial intelligence, creating a competitive landscape where direct competition seems daunting.
The UK's Strategic Position in Quantum Technology
Despite lacking the financial resources and workforce size of the United States or China, Britain possesses formidable intellectual capital. Pound for pound, the United Kingdom maintains one of the world's premier research bases. This strength positions the country to focus on emerging technological waves originating from its world-renowned institutions. Rather than allowing these advancements to merely pass by, Britain must actively ride these waves to secure future economic leadership.
Among these emerging technologies, quantum computing stands out as an area where UK-led advances promise to transform numerous aspects of daily life. After a decade of coordinated effort, the quantum sector has reached new maturity levels, delivering breakthroughs in medicine, navigation systems, and superfast computers. UK quantum technology is genuinely approaching mainstream significance.
Government Support and Startup Success Stories
This progress largely results from proactive government backing and institutional collaboration. Multiple UK organizations have worked together on quantum initiatives more cohesively than in any other industry:
- The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Innovate UK
- The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- The National Security Strategic Investment Fund
The outcome is a vibrant ecosystem prepared for the next developmental phase. Innovate UK alone has supported over 150 quantum companies across seven years, with seven achieving unicorn status and one becoming a decacorn. Four companies are currently raising over £100 million each. Britain's annual Quantum Showcase ranks as the world's second-largest quantum event.
Prominent quantum companies in the UK portfolio include:
- Riverlane
- Universal Quantum
- Aegiq
- Aquark
- Phasecraft
- Delta G
A standout example is Nu Quantum, a Cambridge University startup that recently secured a record $60 million Series A investment for UK quantum technology. The company received both Innovate UK grants and venture capital backing, crediting UK Research and Innovation support as fundamental to attracting private investment.
Scaling Up for the Quantum Era
As these businesses mature, they will seek billions rather than millions in funding, targeting transformative real-world applications. To facilitate this growth, Britain must stay ahead by nurturing not only high-potential companies but also developing markets, businesses, and investors ready to embrace quantum technology.
In an increasingly uncertain and competitive global landscape, this mission carries urgency. Technologies like clean energy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and engineering biology will shape the global economy for decades. The United Kingdom must position itself to lead in creating these technologies rather than merely adopting them.
Innovate UK's Strategic Roadmap
Innovate UK has outlined a new prospectus detailing how it will support this mission. The focus will center on deep-tech and hard-tech innovators—businesses founded on significant scientific or engineering breakthroughs aligned with government priorities in the Modern Industrial Strategy.
By concentrating on sectors where Britain possesses genuine competitive advantages, this approach aims to:
- Create high-value employment opportunities
- Strengthen regional economic growth
- Attract private investment
- Enhance national competitiveness
The potential economic rewards are substantial. Successfully scaling companies in priority sectors could generate significant job creation, GDP growth, and increased household income. The new prospectus describes how Innovate UK will monitor businesses as they expand, providing support when most impactful and withdrawing as private investment assumes greater roles.
To achieve these objectives, Innovate UK will streamline its offerings to ensure clarity, simplicity, and accessibility for businesses. The agency recognizes the importance of supporting companies beyond mere financial assistance, valuing relationships, advice, and guidance as crucial components of success. Ultimately, the goal involves shepherding priority sectors toward achievement while ensuring successful enterprises remain based in the United Kingdom.
The Quantum Opportunity for Future Generations
If executed effectively, this strategy could prove era-defining. Just as Adeyoola graduated during the mobile era, he envisions his children graduating in the quantum era. More importantly, he aspires for Britain to own that era. While the nation may lack the deepest pockets, largest workforce, or most abundant natural resources, quantum theory demonstrates that small entities can wield significant power. With appropriate ingredients and interventions, this small, bold, and ingenious nation genuinely believes it can triumph in the quantum era.
Tom Adeyoola serves as executive chair at Innovate UK.
