The field of quantum computing emerged in the 1980s. Quantum computing uses electrons or photons, unlike regular bits, quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states (i.e.,1 and 0) simultaneously. Due to which, it is considered to be very powerful and capable of handling complex calculations faster than classical computers.

The idea behind Quantum computers is to help students solve difficult problems quickly, especially in science subjects. For example, when a student needs to research any course and traditional computers are not available, quantum computing can solve the problem effectively within the shortest period of time. It can also encourage new ideas and help create new tech innovations.

The hubs, supported by a £106mn investment, will be based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, London, along with Oxford, to connect researchers and businesses.

QCI3 will focus on the improvement of quantum hardware and on making quantum computers faster and better across different platforms, connecting and growing them into large networks. The hub intends to work with scientists and engineers to design and test new algorithms.

Researchers of the hub will design new materials, chemicals, fluid simulation techniques, and machine learning. For example, the hub will undertake creating quantum machine learning protocols, which are crucial for building quantum neural networks. These networks have potential applications in fields like fraud detection.

“Our hub brings together researchers with broad expertise on the forefront of hardware and software for quantum computing with leading experts in application areas. We will work with our industrial partners to unlock critical challenges in the development of quantum technologies, and drive impact through the development of real-world use cases for quantum computing,” said Andrew Daley, Professor of Quantum Physics at Oxford and Principal Investigator of QCI3 hub.

The project will involve more than 50 experts in quantum computing from 18 institutions across the UK. Additionally, the Hub will collaborate with around 30 industry partners who have already committed £9.9mn in support.

The market for quantum computing is a rapidly growing area in the UK, and it’s estimated to be worth $1.3tn by 2035.