Engineering firms test quantum tech with Digital Catapult

Aiming to bridge the gap between quantum computing’s complexity and industry use, the Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) features a total of 11 firms working in partnership with the Digital Catapult. Applications so far include Frazer Nash demonstrating the potential of quantum computers to optimise the UK energy grid, and Tees-Valley-based SeerBI building a quantum machine learning model to predict shipments at risk of late arrival.

QTAP has been delivered in partnership with Riverlane and ORCA Computing, providing the participating companies with access to the ORCA PT-1 quantum photonic computer, as well as a team of quantum experts and ongoing technical support.

“The remarkable success achieved on QTAP underscores the increasing interest in quantum computing within industry,” said Katy Ho, director of Innovation Practice at Digital Catapult.

“From its inception to the showcase, participating companies have consistently shown commitment to enhancing their understanding of quantum technology. At Digital Catapult, our mission is to demonstrate the value of embracing quantum-enabled solutions, and this programme will undoubtedly sharpen participating companies’ competitive edge, as quantum computers evolve and present substantial commercial opportunity.” 

Rolls-Royce’s participation in QTAP has centred around its novel nuclear reactor research, which could have a role powering future space missions to the Moon or even Mars. During the programme, the company used data from the Fukushima disaster to investigate whether a quantum machine learning model could quickly identify potentially hazardous situations – research that could inform the safe operation of future reactors.

“The Novel Nuclear team at Rolls-Royce is very future focussed, seeking to develop revolutionary new technologies and explore energy efficient applications for nuclear power on Earth and in Space,” said Jonathon Adams, assistant chief engineer at Rolls-Royce.

“Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, will be an enabler for this over the next 15 years. It’s important that we develop an understanding of how and when we can adopt this technology.”