The International Year of Quantum

Proclaimed the ‘International Year of Quantum’ by the United Nations, 2025 marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics - a theory which has transformed our understanding of the world around us as well as enabling inventions such as MRI scans, lasers and solar cells. Whilst marking the impact quantum mechanics has had over the past century, this milestone date also recognises its significance in setting the stage for the new wave of quantum innovation.

The new wave of quantum innovation

Quantum technologies will be a critical enabler of prosperous economies and societal growth. If we look at quantum computing, it has the potential to solve classes of computational problems exponentially quicker that any existing supercomputer. This offers the possibility of major breakthroughs – particularly in sectors such as energy, telecoms, pharmaceutical, finance, construction, and civil engineering.

As such, Nation states are racing to develop and commercialise the opportunities that quantum technologies will bring. The UK is well and truly in the race. Ranked third in the world for the quality and impact of its scientific research and first in Europe for quantum start-ups and capital investment, the UK quantum economy already employs over 100,000 people and is growing. What’s more, the UK is ranked first in Europe for patents in quantum technologies.

With this foundation, the UK is in a strong position - not only for quantum sector growth but also to establish quantum tech as an area of strategic sovereignty and capability. BT is central to supporting the UK in this race as we look to build a network for quantum technologies. 

Building a network for quantum technologies

We’re exploring how to develop our networks to support the future quantum internet: a network to connect quantum computers and devices so that our customers can harness the advancements that quantum technologies will bring.

But we must also protect our customers from the threats that quantum computers will bring. A leader in quantum secure communications, we started our research a decade ago and have now built a ‘world first’ commercial trial of a quantum secure network in London, alongside Toshiba, and with EY and HSBC conducting customer trials. With Equinix, we’ve recently made access to the network easier for businesses in a UK-first data centre to data centre connection. Taking cutting-edge quantum research and moving to commercialisation, our network represents an important step towards the Government’s ambition for nationwide quantum secure connectivity.

As with any new technology - standards and assurance must be developed so that the technology is trusted by our customers, to support adoption. We’re leading ‘QAssure’ – a project to assure Quantum Key Distribution as an early example of deployable quantum technology that can play a role in critical infrastructure.

If we look to another area of quantum tech, that of quantum sensing, we’re again leading the way. Quantum sensing uses quantum principles to measure different physical properties, including, gravity, temperature, magnetic field and rotation, with extreme sensitivity. For sectors such as civil engineering, defence, autonomous transport and IoT, this can enable transformational opportunities.

BT has been researching how quantum sensing can be applied to radio receiver technology for some time and today owns valuable IP in this space. Having developed and successfully trialled a new hyper-sensitive quantum radio receiver (in what we believe to be the first standards compliant, mobile communications link), we’re now looking at how we can support the UK with sovereignty in the technology supply chain – a key focus area for DSIT.

We’re incredibly excited by the opportunities that quantum technologies will bring and remain committed to continuing to support the UK to be a front-runner in this global marathon.