British businesses developing quantum technologies are being backed with a share of £50 million as part of a new government package. This funding aims to turn innovations into products that could improve various aspects of life, from healthcare to transport and national security.
Among the winning projects is a handheld quantum eye scanner from Bristol-based Siloton, designed to make advanced eye diagnostics more accessible outside specialist hospitals. This could help reduce NHS waiting lists and improve access to care for patients.
Another project, led by West Midlands-based MoniRail, involves a quantum monitoring system to pinpoint faults in railway tracks and signalling equipment. This technology could help track staff address problems quickly, potentially reducing train delays for commuters.
Oxfordshire-based ColdQuanta UK is also receiving support to develop a compact, mobile quantum radio system. This system could locate signals with high accuracy, assisting military operations, strengthening critical infrastructure resilience, and aiding emergency responders in locating distress signals.
The funding is part of a broader government goal to establish the UK as a world leader in quantum sensing by 2030, supported by an earlier investment of up to £2 billion.