The UK government is investing in the quantum technology sector, committing £2.5 billion over ten years to support the development of commercially viable quantum technology by 2033. While commercial applications are expected in five to ten years, quantum sensing is already providing products on a small scale in fields such as brain scanning, tumor detection, and underground mapping. For example, Cerca Magnetics produces a wearable brain scanner that uses lasers to detect magnetic activity in the brain for research into conditions like autism and epilepsy. The company has exceeded sales expectations and targets the research market, aiming for approvals to enter the clinical market worth $9 billion.
Another quantum technology company, Delta.g, provides a system for detecting underground structures, such as pipes, using gravity variation mapping technology. The sensors use light to measure atoms and map the underground landscape, helping avoid hazards in construction and transport industries. The company, which has secured funding from various investors and grants, has signed a contract with the Department of Transport in the UK and worked with partners like the Royal Navy. Despite being in prototype stage, the technology is proven to work and deliver high-quality mapping, highlighting the practical applications of quantum sensing in solving real-world problems.
Both Cerca Magnetics and Delta.g face challenges in terms of gaining approvals and entering new markets. Cerca Magnetics is focused on obtaining approvals for clinical applications to have a societal impact, particularly in areas such as epilepsy treatment. On the other hand, Delta.g sees potential for its technology in a wide range of use cases due to its portability and applicability in various environments. The companies emphasize that quantum sensing is not a technology for the distant future but is already applicable in the present, with opportunities to solve existing problems using quantum technology.
The UK government’s support for quantum startups comes through the National Quantum Technologies Programme, offering grants, competitions, and test bed facilities. While the development of quantum computing is a long-term investment, some technologies could have a relatively short-term impact if there is sufficient demand. Cerca Magnetics’ success in selling devices to researchers worldwide and Delta.g’s collaborations with government agencies and partners demonstrate the early success of quantum technology companies in commercializing their products. With the potential to address real-world challenges in various industries, quantum sensing is proving to be a valuable asset in the UK’s growing quantum technology sector.
