February Quantum Event

Please find the minutes for our February Quantum event here! 

Minutes: APPG for Defence Technology – Quantum Technology in Defence Policy Briefing

Date: Monday, 24th February 2025

Time: 16:00 – 17:15

Location: Committee Room N, Portcullis House

Attendees:

Lord Jonny Oates

Lord Godfrey Cromwell

Lord Jeffrey Mountevans

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP

Anna Gelderd MP

Fred Thomas MP

Dr Allison Gardner MP

Gagan Mohindra MP

James Clark (APPG Secretarit)

Andrei Dragomir (Aquark)

Andrew Munday Babcock

Peter Williamson (SecureCloud)

David Crowe (Agilexe)

Connor Taylor (Lockheed Martin)

Jonny Prince (Egregious)

Rupert Small (Egregious)

Jonathan Emery (Aquark)

Thomas Dowse (Babcock)

Hamish Mundell (RUSI)

Adam Painter (NATO DIANA)

Richard Hopkins (IBM)

Hannah Furse (Office of Fred Thomas MP)

Dr James Millen (KCL)

16:00 – 16:05 | Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) Motion

• Co-Chairs: Neil Shastri-Hurst MP and Fred Thomas MP
• Motion: Election of Anna Geldard MP as an Officer of the APPG
• Vote & Confirmation: Unanimously in favour

16:05 – 16:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Speaker: James Clark (Secretariat)/ Fred Thomas MP/ Neil Shastri-Hurst MP
• Introduction to the APPG for Defence Technology
• Context for the Policy Briefing Series & the Importance of Quantum in Defence

16:10 – 17:10 | Briefing Session on Quantum in Defence

Summary

Dr. James Millen discussed the UK's national strategy in quantum science and technology, highlighting a £50 million investment at King's College London focused on AI, biotech, and quantum. He emphasized the UK's significant private sector investment in quantum, second only to the US. Dr. Millen detailed quantum physics principles like quantization, superposition, and entanglement, and their applications in modern technology. Richard Hopkins from IBM explained the progress in quantum computing, aiming for quantum advantage by 2026 and mainstream adoption by 2029. Andrey Dragomir from Aquark Technologies shared their miniaturization of quantum sensing technology, aiming to deploy it in real-world applications like navigation and security.

Conversation minutes

Overview of National Strategy in Quantum Science Technology

• Dr James Millen introduced himself as an experimental quantum scientist with 15 years of experience.
• He discussed his role in building tiny devices for studying fundamental physics and partnering with companies to build real technology.
• Dr Millen leads the UK-funded international quantum technologies network, partnering with countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, and the Middle East.
• He highlighted his public engagement in quantum science, including lecturing at the Royal Institution and King's College London.

King's College London's Investment in Quantum Science

• Dr Millen mentioned King's College London's investment of 50 million pounds to hire 66 new academic staff.
• The research priorities include AI, biotech, and quantum, with a focus on integrating quantum technology in various departments.
• The strategy was inspired by the National Quantum Technologies Program, which was set up in 2013 with significant investment.
• The UK is seen as an exemplar in government structure around quantum technologies, focusing on training centres and research hubs.

National Quantum Missions and Applications

• Dr Millen discussed the National Quantum Missions, which include ambitious goals like position, navigation, and timing for overcoming satellite denial.
• The aim is to have quantum technology in every NHS Trust by 2030, which is considered achievable.
• He explained the importance of quantum physics in various modern technologies, including chemistry, material science, semiconductors, and nuclear power.
• Quantum technologies rely on unique features of quantum physics, such as quantization, randomness, superposition, and entanglement.

Quantum Physics and Technologies

• Dr Millen explained that quantum physics describes almost everything in science except gravity.
• Quantum technologies are defined as those that rely on unique features of quantum physics, such as superposition and entanglement.
• Quantum superposition allows for incredibly sensitive devices, used in navigation, subsurface detection, and medical science.
• Quantum entanglement allows for teleportation of information, which is commercially available.

Quantum Computing and Its Applications

• Dr Millen discussed the potential of quantum computing in designing new photovoltaics, materials, and drugs.
• He mentioned that quantum computers can calculate what would be difficult or impossible with classical computers.
• Quantum computing holds a lot of promise but faces challenges in terms of commercialisation and public perception.
• The UK has the second-largest investment in quantum science and technology from the private sector, after the US.

UK Government's Role in Quantum Technology

• Dr Millen highlighted the UK government's role in identifying key application areas and building centres of excellence.
• The UK has a long history in quantum technology, with a deep research base to draw upon.
• The government has been successful in consolidating expertise and pulling in private sector entities to work with academics.
• The focus is now on generating more companies and addressing supply chain challenges.

• The UK has set up the National Quantum Computing Centre to explore different architectures for quantum computing.
• Quantum computing is seen as a complement to AI, with potential for AI to be trained by small-scale quantum computers.

Military and Financial Aspects of Quantum Technology

• Dr Millen discussed the military deployment of quantum technology, including quantum navigation devices on military craft.
• He mentioned the challenges of attracting private sector funding in the UK compared to the US.
• The UK has hosted various workshops with MOD and other elements to explore potential use cases for quantum technology.

Quantum Computing and Cyber Defense

• Richard Hopkins discussed the potential of quantum computing in cyber defense and the need for post-quantum cryptography.
• He explained the importance of preparing for quantum advantage and the potential impact on internet transactions and communications.
• The UK government is encouraging the development of quantum technology to maintain a sovereign capability.
• The focus is on utility computing and achieving practical applications in material science and molecular chemistry.

SME Perspective on Quantum Technology

• Andrey Dragomir from Aquark Technologies discussed the company's focus on miniaturizing quantum sensing technology.
• The technology is already being deployed in the field, including on drones and ships, and has potential applications in position, navigation, and timing.
• The company faces challenges in competing at an international level and accessing funding and talent outside of the Golden Triangle (London, Oxford, Cambridge).
• The UK government needs to support the development of a sovereign supply chain and accelerate the deployment of quantum technology.

17:10 – 17:15 | Conclusion & Closing Remarks

• Speakers: James Clark (Secretariat)/ Fred Thomas MP/ Neil Shastri-Hurst MP
• Look forward to the next APPG for Defence Technology Event
• Thank you all for joining/participating