Scotland is positioning itself as a leading international centre for quantum technology, with ambitions to build a £10 billion advanced technology industry and create thousands of skilled jobs over the coming decade.
Innovation Minister Alyn Smith will promote the country’s growing expertise to international business and technology leaders at a special reception at Edinburgh Castle tonight, Monday 2 November.
Quantum technology is one of the emerging industries within Scotland’s Critical Technologies Supercluster, which brings together expertise in quantum computing, photonics, semiconductors, communications and advanced sensing.
The wider sector already supports more than 160 companies and 11,500 jobs, with ambitions to increase annual turnover to £10 billion by 2035 and create a further 6,600 jobs.
These are industry growth targets rather than guaranteed outcomes, but they reflect the economic opportunities Scotland is seeking to develop through investment in research, manufacturing and innovation.
Quantum technology uses the unusual behaviour of matter at an atomic and subatomic level to develop new computing systems, highly sensitive measuring instruments and more advanced communications.
Its potential applications are extensive, ranging from improving medical research and detecting diseases to strengthening cybersecurity, developing satellite navigation and making energy networks more efficient.
Although much of the technology remains at an early stage of commercial development, Scotland has established considerable research expertise through its universities and specialist technology companies.
Scottish institutions lead two of the UK’s five national Quantum Hubs and participate in all five, demonstrating the country’s contribution to research and development in the field.
The Scottish Government also committed £5 million during the last financial year to support innovation and economic growth in advanced technology sectors where Scotland has identified opportunities for international leadership.
Addressing industry representatives at Edinburgh Castle, Mr Smith will argue that the country’s established scientific expertise provides a strong foundation for future commercial growth.
The Innovation Minister said:
“Quantum is not a technology for one sector.
“It’s a foundation for the next generation of innovation.
“For Scotland, quantum technologies have applications across industries where we already excel, from our space sector, helping satellites navigate to life sciences, enabling faster drug discovery and disease research.
“And in defence, improving sensing and security, as well as optimising power networks in our energy systems.
“There is no doubt, Scotland is the place to do quantum.
“We are a top five location globally for the quantum sector with 40% of the UK’s research in quantum technologies over the last decade taking place here in our world-class universities, and Scottish universities leading two of the UK’s Quantum hubs while being active in all five.
“For centuries Scotland has punched above its weight in science and innovation, and we intend to keep doing so in the quantum era.”
The government’s ambition is to convert Scotland’s existing research strengths into businesses, investment and employment, while competing internationally for a share of the rapidly developing quantum market.
The Critical Technologies Supercluster brings together universities, government agencies and private businesses to strengthen the connections between scientific discoveries and commercial opportunities.
For Scotland, the challenge will be ensuring that technological advances developed in its universities can be manufactured, commercialised and used to support lasting economic growth.
The Edinburgh reception provides an opportunity to promote those ambitions directly to international investors and industry leaders whose decisions could influence where the next generation of quantum technology businesses are established.
