b'28 Partner News Autumn 2022CorporateRemoving barriers tothe commercialisationof quantum technologies through measurement By National Physics LaboratoryThe UK Governments ambition is to beprogramme, now entering its third year,The uniqueness of the scheme is through the worlds first quantum-ready economy,NPL is working with partners around thematching businesses with world-leading which could provide UK businesses andUK to deliver new capabilities to supportmeasurement scientists and engineers, industries with billions of pounds worththe development and testing of quantumtechniques and quantum facilities, only of opportunities. By the end of 2024, thetechnologies in order to accelerate theavailable at NPL. It is designed to overcome Government, through various agencies, willcommercialisation of new products.barriers to innovation and solve business have invested close to 1bn in quantumproblems holding back new products and technologies over ten years.How the programme worksservices. The NPL programme includes development The purpose of this investment is to generateprojects in partnership with university- This is highlighted by the early analysis strategic advantage for the UK throughbased quantum technology hubs, and aof participant feedback where 75% are economic growth, with increased securitylarge number of collaborative projects withreporting new and improved products as and resilience. This government investmentindustry towards developing new productsa result of their project. The scheme also is already catalysing significant investmentand services based on quantum technologies.helps to improve company productivity and from the private sector, including driving theA major element of the programme iscompetitiveness with 50% expecting to see growth of an expanding number of start-upsfocused on test and evaluation of quantumincreased sales in new or existing markets. and spin-out companies. Measurement istechnologies that includes work towards crucial to realising the benefits that quantumthe development of new measurementResearch into industryproducts can offer.techniques which can form the basis ofM4Q, currently open for new applications, future standards for quantum technologies. provides UK businesses with access to It is vital in translating complex scientificspecialist science and engineering expertise, advances into products with real worldOne of the main aims of NPLs Quantumof up to 20 days, at no charge to the applications. As the UKs National MetrologyTest and Evaluation Programme is to providebusiness. Since its launch, M4Q has led Institute has strong quantum capabilities,opportunities for UK companies to access theto 39 collaborative projects with 27 now the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) isfacilities and capabilities of NPL, to positivelycompleted. Early analysis of participants uniquely placed to provide the expertise andimpact UK productivity.feedback indicates that involvement in the facilities needed for industry and academiascheme has many financial and commercial to test, validate and ultimately commercialiseAs part of this, NPL launched its Measurementbenefits. 69% of companies said their new quantum research and technologies.for Quantum (M4Q) scheme to ensurecommercial opportunity has greatly or measurement capability is available tomoderately increased, 50% expect to see In 2020, as part of the UK Nationalbusinesses to support the accelerationincreased sales in new or existing markets Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP),and commercialisation of quantum scienceand 50% expect to see reduced costs NPL launched its Quantum Programme toby addressing and solving their quantumthrough decreased production or material support UK economic growth. Through themeasurement challenges.costs.'