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Minister for Future Digital Economy Baroness Jones visited Sussex to learn about the University’s world-leading quantum work which she said could help “improve lives and boost the UK economy”.
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The University and Greater Brighton plan to create a ‘Quantum Silicon Valley’ in the region.
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Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, Professor Winfried Hensinger, said the visit had been an “honour” and he was “delighted” to have the Minister’s support.
The University of Sussex’s work in developing quantum technologies through teaching and research has been praised for its potential to improve lives and boost the UK economy by Government Minister Baroness Jones, who visited the campus in Falmer on Friday 28 February.
The Minister for Future Digital Economy met with Professor Winfried Hensinger, who leads the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founded its spin-out company Universal Quantum, to learn about the University’s groundbreaking research in quantum computing and its role in driving forward the UK’s technological and economic ambitions.
During the visit, which was also attended by Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove Council and Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, the University of Sussex and Greater Brighton promoted their plans to create a ‘Quantum Silicon Valley’, establishing the region as key in the UK’s quantum ecosystem, and supporting Britain’s role as a world leader in this transformative sector.
Minister for Future Digital Economy, Baroness Jones, said:
“Supporting innovation hubs like this one will help British researchers to continue making breakthroughs in emerging technologies that could improve everything from health diagnostics to cyber security, boosting our economy and improving daily lives.
“The work on quantum here at the University of Sussex is a great example of how world-leading research is evolving into successful spin-out companies, creating jobs and attracting investment right across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change.”
The University of Sussex is a global leader in quantum technology research. Its Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies (SCQT) has been at the forefront of quantum research, making scientific breakthroughs that bring the UK a step closer to creating a powerful quantum computer, capable of solving the biggest challenges of our time. Sussex spin-out company Universal Quantum has also attracted approximately £100 million in investment.
The University of Sussex’s involvement in the sector is also driven by one of the most comprehensive training programs in the world, including a four-year quantum technology undergraduate degree and the UK’s first Quantum Technology by Distance learning degree.
The south coast is emerging as a major hub for quantum research as well as other high-tech industries, with the digital and technology sector contributing £1 billion annually to the local economy.
Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founder and Chair of Universal Quantum, said:
“It was an honour to host Baroness Jones, and show some of the world-leading work we are doing here in Sussex – both through our research and in our teaching.
“Quantum computing represents a generational opportunity for the UK to establish itself as a high-tech leader on the global stage. However, to fully capitalise on our expertise and the growing quantum technology industry in the Sussex region, we need sustained and strategic Government investment.
“With the right support, we believe Sussex could become the ‘Quantum Silicon Valley’ of the UK, fostering innovation, creating jobs and attracting global partnerships, and I was delighted to hear Baroness Jones supports that vision.”
Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said:
“At Sussex, we are committed to advancing knowledge that has real-world impact, and our work in quantum technologies is a prime example of that.
“We welcome this ministerial visit as an opportunity to showcase our research excellence and to advocate for the investment needed to ensure that our breakthroughs translate into economic and societal benefits for the UK.
“As we build the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, we look forward to continued collaboration with Government and industry to realise the full potential of quantum technologies – with the University and Greater Brighton’s Quantum Silicon Valley at its heart.”
By supporting regional quantum hubs like Sussex, the Government can help create a thriving ecosystem that fosters academic breakthroughs, drives industrial innovation, and secures the UK’s place at the forefront of the global quantum revolution.