Heriot-Watt to lead development of UK’s ‘near-unhackable’ quantum internet

The Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub is one of five hubs announced by the UK government as part of a £160m investment.

Quantum technology can harness the unique properties of atoms and subatomic particles to achieve functionalities that are not possible with existing, conventional technologies. The researchers said that while complex in nature, the applications of quantum technology are set to ‘revolutionise’ many aspects of our daily lives.

The IQN Hub will focus on creating large-scale quantum networks capable of distributing quantum entanglement, which could lead to the development of a secure communications network and therefore an internet free from hacking issues, according to the researchers.

In an era where cybercrime costs the UK an estimated £27bn annually, the quantum internet promises unprecedented levels of security. It could also drive advancements in AI, drug discovery and environmental monitoring.

“Imagine an internet that uses the principles of quantum physics to secure data. Unlike our current systems, which can be cracked given enough time and computing power, quantum encryption creates keys that are essentially unbreakable. It's like having a lock that changes every time someone tries to pick it,” Professor Gerald Buller, from Heriot-Watt and who will lead the IQN Hub, said in a statement.

“It allows us to solve problems and secure data in ways that are unimaginable with conventional technology. This could lead to breakthroughs in everything from pharmaceutical research to exciting new materials development.

“The Hub harnesses the excellent research done over the last ten years in the National Quantum Technologies Programme to focus on delivering quantum networks at a range of distance scales, from local networks up to global satellite-based connections.”

Heriot-Watt is also playing significant roles in three of the four other newly announced quantum hubs, delivering work on quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing and quantum biomedical sensing.

In particular, the IQN Hub brings together a network of over 40 non-academic collaborators, ranging from startups to multinational corporations, alongside organisations including the National Cyber Security Centre and Scottish Enterprise. It will receive over £20m in partner support to help translate quantum innovations into new products and services.

The five new quantum hubs are being delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with a £106m investment from EPSRC, the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Industry collaboration is also a key element, with cash and in-kind contributions from partners worth over £54m.

Partner universities include Imperial College London, National Physical Laboratory, Queen’s University Belfast, RAL Space STFC and the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton, Strathclyde, Warwick and York.