The University of Bristol is one of the partners in the SuperConnector project which will turn world-class quantum research into impactful solutions by creating a UK-wide community of entrepreneurs, investors, industry adopters and policymakers that will strengthen the UK's vibrant quantum ecosystem.
The programme will deliver a national skills 'centre' - open to researchers from anywhere in the UK - to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies, attract investment and enable growth.
The founding group - Imperial College London, University of Bristol, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of Glasgow - are renowned for their distinct strengths in quantum as well as their deep expertise in commercialisation.
By connecting regional strengths in quantum research, entrepreneurship and industry, the UK Quantum SuperConnector will help build stronger innovation clusters across the country and support the growth of globally significant companies in every region of the UK.
The SuperConnector will support the Government's mission to re-industrialise the UK as an innovation-led, research-driven economy, and harness the UK's exceptional higher education assets in support of this ambition to be a world-leader in innovation.
A central aim of UK Quantum SuperConnector is to support the commercial market for quantum applications in critical sectors including healthcare, finance, aerospace and defence.
The Centre will focus on building the commercial skills and networks needed to translate quantum research into valuable commercial assets, including new quantum and quantum-enabled ventures, licensing opportunities, partnerships and collaborative R&D.
Commenting on the launch of the UK Quantum SuperConnector, Professor Ruth Oulton, academic lead of the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre at the University of Bristol, said: "The UK Quantum SuperConnector is an exciting opportunity to shape the next generation of quantum technology commercialisation, connecting world-class research with the expertise, investment and industry partnerships needed to turn breakthroughs into successful businesses.
"Bristol has led the way in quantum entrepreneurship through our Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC) and through the SuperConnector, we can build on this success, taking Bristol's expertise to a national and global stage. Our new Sloane Robinson Building, at the heart of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, provides a hub for bringing researchers, businesses and investors together to accelerate innovation and unlock the commercial potential of quantum technologies."
Marty Reid, Director of Innovation at the University of Bristol, added: "The UK's strength in quantum technologies offers a major opportunity to take a global lead in an area that will transform all industries. This incredible partnership is primed to accelerate these ambitions, driving productivity, creating high-quality jobs and supporting long-term economic growth. Bristol Innovations will put collaboration at the heart of the programme, bringing researchers, innovators and industry together to identify priority applications in sectors like financial services, aerospace and clean energy."
The UK Quantum SuperConnector are now inviting the UK quantum community and beyond to get involved - including researchers, founders, investors, deep-tech companies, end-users and organisations in the sectors that quantum technologies could transform. That could mean joining a programme, mentoring a founder, bringing an industry challenge, hosting a secondee, sharing best practice, contributing to training or investing in emerging ventures.
